Kamala Harris Surprises Fans on SNL with Advice for Her Fictional Self

In a surprising twist during the latest episode of “Saturday Night Live,” Vice President Kamala Harris made an unexpected appearance, providing encouragement to her fictional counterpart, played by Maya Rudolph. This surprise cameo came just days before Election Day, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming presidential election. “You got this,” Harris reassured her SNL alter ego.

The episode kicked off with a comedic cold open that parodied CNN’s “The Source with Kaitlan Collins,” featuring a mock Trump rally. The scene then transitioned to a fictional Harris event set in Philadelphia. As the sketch progressed, Andy Samberg, portraying Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, exited the stage, leading Rudolph to sit at a dressing-room table. Reflecting on her fictional campaign, she lamented, “I just wish I could talk to someone who’s been in my shoes— a Black, South Asian woman running for president, preferably from the Bay Area.”

Rudolph, who has brought the character of Kamala Harris to life several times this season, soon found herself face-to-face with the real Vice President. The two women were styled in nearly identical outfits, a visual nod to their shared identity. Rudolph first assumed the role of Harris back in 2019 during a Democratic primary debate skit.

“You and me both, sister,” Harris replied, connecting with her fictional counterpart. The Vice President continued with words of encouragement: “It’s nice to see you, Kamala, and I’m just here to remind you that you got this because you can do something your opponent cannot do. You can open doors.” This line was delivered through a cleverly designed mirror prop, enhancing the playful yet poignant interaction.

At one point in the sketch, Rudolph mimicked Harris’s signature laugh, prompting the Vice President to playfully question, “I don’t really laugh like that, do I?” To which Rudolph responded, “A little bit.” The segment featured numerous cast members, including Jim Gaffigan as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Dana Carvey portraying President Joe Biden, adding to the comedic atmosphere of the show.

Harris’s appearance fits into a larger campaign strategy aimed at engaging voters through various media platforms. In recent weeks, her team has orchestrated a media blitz, including friendlier interviews with popular personalities like Alex Cooper and Charlemagne Tha God, as she faces a competitive race against former President Donald Trump.

The episode was hosted by comedian John Mulaney, who had previously portrayed President Biden on the show. The musical guest for the evening was Chappell Roan, who had recently made headlines for her indecision about whom to vote for before ultimately declaring her support for Harris.

“SNL” has a long history of satirizing political events, from White House briefings to presidential debates. The show launched its 50th season in September with a sketch centered around campaign rallies featuring both Harris and Trump. Although political impersonators frequently grace the SNL stage, real politicians rarely make appearances. However, during this episode, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who is also up for reelection, appeared in a segment of a fictional game show titled “What’s the Name?” In this comedic bit, Kaine quizzed contestants about his identity, stating, “Hi, 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?” Mulaney, acting as a contestant, struggled to provide the correct answer.

Former President Donald Trump previously made a memorable appearance on “SNL” during his 2016 campaign, sharing the stage with impersonators and inciting protests due to his controversial comments on immigration. Similarly, Hillary Clinton made a cameo in a different episode, playing a bartender, while Barack Obama also appeared as a candidate during the 2008 election cycle.

Harris’s surprise appearance on SNL not only brought laughter but also served as a timely reminder of the stakes involved in the upcoming election, showcasing her willingness to engage with the public in unique and entertaining ways.