Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in the final days before the election, joining actress Maya Rudolph in a hilarious skit that delighted the audience. As the mirror-image double of Rudolph’s version of her, Harris sat across from Rudolph and exchanged witty banter that showcased their comedic chemistry.
The first lines spoken by Harris were drowned out by cheers from the audience, but she managed to convey her support for Rudolph and remind her that she had what it takes to succeed. The two women then joined forces to encourage supporters to “Keep Kamala and carry-on-ala,” emphasizing their shared belief in the promise of America. With a nod to the show’s iconic catchphrase, they declared, “Live from New York it’s Saturday night!”
During their approximately two-minute exchange, Harris also took a playful jab at her opponent, former President Donald Trump, referencing a recent stunt he pulled on an airport tarmac in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In response to remarks made by President Biden that appeared to call Trump supporters “garbage,” Trump struggled to open the door of a garbage truck before climbing into it. Harris seized the opportunity to highlight her opponent’s shortcomings, joking that she had a unique skill he lacked – the ability to open doors.
Harris made the surprise trip to New York City with the election looming, briefly stepping away from the battleground states where she had been campaigning tirelessly. Arriving in New York on Air Force Two after a campaign stop in Charlotte, North Carolina, Harris made an unscheduled stop at LaGuardia Airport before heading to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan, where SNL tapes. The visit was not previously announced, adding to the excitement of her appearance on the show.
Maya Rudolph has been portraying Harris on SNL since 2019, capturing the vice president’s essence with spot-on impressions and witty one-liners. Rudolph’s performance has garnered critical and comedic acclaim, with Harris herself praising her portrayal on a recent episode of “The View.” With Rudolph as her comedic counterpart, Harris engaged in playful banter and lighthearted humor that resonated with the audience.
The tradition of politicians appearing on SNL dates back decades, with notable figures like Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Bob Dole making memorable guest appearances. From Gerald Ford’s historic cameo in 1976 to Tina Fey’s iconic portrayal of Sarah Palin in 2008, SNL has provided a platform for politicians to showcase their comedic chops and connect with viewers in a unique way. Harris’s appearance on the show just days before the election added an element of surprise and excitement to the final stretch of the campaign.
As the show wrapped up its final episode before Election Day, Harris and Rudolph’s collaboration was hailed as a standout moment that captured the spirit of the election season. With their witty exchanges and comedic timing, the duo brought a touch of humor to the political arena, reminding viewers to find moments of levity amidst the intensity of the campaign trail. As they bid farewell with a final “Live from New York it’s Saturday night!” the audience erupted in applause, celebrating a memorable night of comedy and camaraderie.
