Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) this past weekend, but she wasn’t the only politician to grace the stage. Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia joined the show in a humorous sketch that humorously reflected on the idea of being forgotten since his role as Hillary Clinton’s running mate in the 2016 election.
In the sketch, comedian and host John Mulaney portrayed a game show contestant who is asked to identify notable figures. While he easily recognizes people like Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Special Counsel Jack Smith, he amusingly struggles to name Tim Kaine when he walks onto the set. Kaine, pointing out the irony of being overlooked, reminds Mulaney that he was once a heartbeat away from the Oval Office in an election still fresh in the public’s memory.
Despite Kaine’s efforts to jog Mulaney’s memory—by referencing the importance of the 2016 election and even the animated film “Zootopia”—the responses remain incorrect, underscoring the sketch’s comedic take on political memory and visibility.
This episode also featured a lively opener with Harris, who joined Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of her to dispense self-advice. Additionally, former SNL cast member Pete Davidson made a cameo, participating in musical sketches alongside Mulaney, who also shared lighthearted reflections on fatherhood in his opening monologue.
Chappell Roan was the musical guest, performing her hit “Pink Pony Club” and debuting a new country song, indicating her rising popularity in the music scene.
As this episode aired before the critical lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, it serves as a captivating blend of political humor and entertainment, reminding viewers of the significance of being engaged with current events as they prepare to cast their votes. With the anticipation of the show returning on November 9 with host Bill Burr, fans can look forward to even more political satire to keep the conversation alive.
Overall, this episode of SNL is not just a comedic showcase but an important reminder of the political landscape and the figures within it. It brings a sense of lightness to the serious matter of elections while also engaging audiences in critical dialogue about political memory and awareness.