Downey would also write for David Letterman for two years in the 80s as well, so they have a personal connection.
As for Jim Downey, one of his biggest claims to fame as an SNL writer was coming up with the “strategery” bit made iconic by Will Ferrell during the presidency of George W. Bush.
The selection of names, judging from the interview, appear to be at least somewhat politically based.
The only real exception to this is Norm Macdonald, who is self-described “apolitical,” so how does he fit into all this?