This week’s episode of NBC’s Saturday Night Live brought a mix of humor and political commentary as Kamala Harris, portrayed by Maya Rudolph, found herself in a comical dilemma during the vice presidential debate against JD Vance, played by Bowen Yang. The skit depicted a stressed Harris contemplating watching the true crime series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story instead of the debate, which was filled with unexpected friendly exchanges.
As the scene unfolded, Jim Gaffigan’s Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, was seen casually discussing topics with Vance that made Harris visibly anxious. This humorous take on the real-life debate featured back-and-forth banter, with Walz awkwardly referencing his “friends with school shooters” comment, a gaffe from the actual debate that drew notable attention.
Adding to the tension, Gaffigan portrayed Walz as a bumbling character trying to make sense of his mistakes, bringing levity to the situation. The moment that truly sent Harris over the edge, however, was when she saw Walz and Vance connect on issues with the backdrop of the song “Take My Breath Away” playing softly. Exclaiming “Why are they vibing?!”, Harris shattered a wine glass in frustration, showcasing the comedic interpretation of her anxiety regarding the political landscape.
Dana Carvey’s President Joe Biden strolled in mid-scene, humorously lamenting the obscurity of vice presidents and their roles in the grand scheme of politics, quipping about how few remember Obama’s VP. This satirical portrayal is yet another example of SNL’s knack for blending comedy with current events, leaving viewers laughing while reflecting on the absurdities of political life.
This episode serves as a reminder of how late-night comedy can tackle serious topics while providing much-needed humor during an election cycle. With memorable performances and relevant sketches, SNL continues to resonate with audiences, poking fun at the political process and the characters involved, all while keeping the laughs coming.