This past weekend, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) featured a surprising guest appearance from Vice President Kamala Harris, along with former Vice Presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. Kaine, who served as Hillary Clinton’s running mate in the 2016 election, made a memorable cameo during the November 2, 2024 episode.
In a humorous quiz show sketch titled “What’s That Name: Election Edition,” contestants were challenged to remember prominent political figures—a task that proved tricky for the episode’s host, comedian John Mulaney. While playing a self-identified progressive voter who proudly supported Clinton in 2016, Mulaney found himself unable to recall Kaine’s name, even after receiving a hint directly from him.
Kaine humorously reminded Mulaney of his significant role in the election, saying, “I was Hillary Clinton’s vice presidential running mate at the time. You said it was the most important election in American history, and that democracy was on the line. It’s been less than eight years. What’s my name?”
In a comedic twist, Mulaney jokingly suggested that Kaine might be more memorable if he had a different persona, referencing Tim Walz, the current Minnesota governor and Harris’s running mate for 2024. The sketch highlighted the amusing visual similarity between Kaine and Walz, with side-by-side photos underscoring their resemblance.
The quiz segment continued with Longfellow providing Mulaney multiple-choice answers, including “Tim Clinton,” “Tim Tim,” and “Tim Scott.” After ruling out two of the options, Mulaney humorously guessed “Tim Tim,” much to Kaine’s amused dismay.
The sketch came full circle with Kaine returning to the stage as a $10 million clue, asking Mulaney, “What’s My Name?” This playful exchange not only entertained the live audience but also provided a lighthearted commentary on the fleeting nature of political recognition in today’s media landscape.
SNL’s ability to blend political commentary with humor serves as a reminder that even amidst the serious nature of elections, laughter can be a unifying force. This episode highlights the importance of being engaged and informed about political figures, especially those who have played pivotal roles in recent history.
The show continues to engage audiences by encouraging dialogue around political memory and significance, showcasing that even familiar faces can sometimes be forgotten, but their roles in shaping our democracy should never be overlooked.