At last, the 2008 presidential election is (hopefully) over.

No more constant strings of political commercials on television, round-the-clock panels discussing terrorist ties and certainly no more guest spots on “Saturday Night Live.”

For some, Tuesday night was the climax of a strenuous two-year journey from caucuses to primaries to conventions; for others, it may mark the beginning of the end.

Think about it: For the last eight years, the entertainment industry and American public have had constant material for topical political humor. When the man choked on a pretzel, it provided bits for three months. Face it, George is one funny dude.

But now, with a historical election focusing on change, one can’t help but wonder what happens next. In January, when Bush finally sips that last Old Style inside the Oval Office and spray paints “Bush Rulz” in the Lincoln bedroom, there will be no Bushisms, no nervous “heh heh” laughter and no high-profile mispronunciation of words.

The comedic political well will seemingly run dry.

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert practically owe their careers to the misfortunes and blunders of Dubya. Their material has evolved, thrived and dominated because of Bush’s staggering unpopularity.

Barack Obama is president. Obama, a man who has become a pop-culture icon, a “Rolling Stone” cover staple, an iconic catalyst for change, will have four years of his presidency comically examined and scrutinized by the entertainment industry.

The only thing is, it’s not going to be that funny.

Clinton was a horndog who played the saxophone and didn’t inhale. Bush was a former baseball-team owner who got a DUI.

Both presidents came with a gift-wrapped package where all writers had to do was mention “terrorizers” or “Monica Lewinsky” and they had a guaranteed laugh. Obama, however, is a guy who is praised by the same people who will potentially be making fun of him, a certified conflict of comedic interest.

Regardless of their political views, writers on these comedy shows need to remain unbiased purveyors of political humor. Just because Obama is half big man on campus and half Joe Cool, doesn’t mean we can’t make fun of him. Make fun of his ears, count how many times he says “uh” in his speech, make fun of his dancing on “Ellen” – just do something.

For the sake of Green Day’s, Bill Maher’s and Al Franken’s futures, please find something to make fun of Obama about; otherwise, we’re in for a very boring four years.

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