Politics in spotlight at Emmy Awards

That honor went to a Canadian, "Deal or No Deal" host Howie Mandel, who referenced the GOP vice presidential candidate in what might be one of the most uncomfortable bits in Emmy history.

"We are like on Sarah Palin's bridge to nowhere. That's where we are right now," Mandel said as it became clear that the five reality series hosts were bombing. "This is not a joke. I'm serious. The government can't even bail us out of this."

Winfrey, who caused a stir among some viewers for her TV endorsement of Obama, stayed away from politics in her opening remarks. But she made a veiled remark to what's going on.

"These have not been easy times in television, or in the world generally for that matter," Winfrey said.

On the other hand, the one winner who played a president -- "John Adams" star Paul Giamatti -- joked about it when he accepted the award for best actor for his portrayal of the second president.

"I'm living proof, kids at home, that anyone can play the president," he said.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter