Maya Rudolph’s Hilarious Take on Kamala Harris in SNL’s Vice Presidential Debate Spoof

Maya Rudolph returned to the Studio 8H stage for a comedic take on the recent vice presidential debate during the latest episode of “Saturday Night Live.” Joining the ensemble of political impersonators for the 2024 election cycle, Rudolph donned the persona of Vice President Kamala Harris, bringing her signature humor to the spotlight.

The skit kicked off with Rudolph and Andy Samberg, who portrayed Harris’ husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. The duo settled into their cozy home, poured themselves a glass of wine, and tuned in to the debate. In the midst of their at-home viewing, Jim Gaffigan made a comeback as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, while “SNL” cast member Bowen Yang played Ohio Senator JD Vance. The two candidates sparred over various issues, providing a humorous take on the serious nature of political debates.

As the candidates evaded direct answers to questions, Rudolph’s Harris couldn’t help but react. She laughed nervously and remarked about Gaffigan’s Walz, “Ok, ok. He’s out there, he’s doing his thing, whatever that may be…” This moment highlighted the often evasive tactics of political figures during debates, infusing the scene with both levity and truth.

The interplay continued as Yang’s Vance responded to a question from cast member Heidi Gardner, who played CBS anchor and debate moderator Norah O’Donnell. Vance’s seemingly rehearsed response impressed Gaffigan’s Walz, who exclaimed, “This guy’s good, he’s got an answer for everything.” The camaraderie between the impersonators underscored a lighthearted take on the political landscape.

The skit escalated into a surprisingly amicable exchange, with both candidates finding common ground on various issues. In a comedic moment, they both declared, “That’s an area where we have a lot of common ground,” while the iconic song “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin played in the background. The visual of both candidates reaching out to one another across the split screen was both absurd and entertaining.

Rudolph’s Harris, watching from home, was taken aback by the unexpected friendship displayed during the debate. In a fit of laughter, she spat out her wine, exclaiming, “Why are they friends? Why are they vibing?!” This reaction encapsulated the absurdity of politicians appearing overly friendly in a traditionally adversarial setting.

The skit took another humorous turn when “SNL” veteran Dana Carvey, returning as President Joe Biden, crashed their viewing party. In classic comedic fashion, he managed to spill ice cream all over himself and Rudolph as Harris while telling her, “You’re going to make a great president.” This playful interaction added another layer of fun to the already lively scene.

This week’s episode was hosted by Nate Bargatze, who previously appeared on the show almost a year ago. The musical guest was none other than Coldplay, who recently released their new album, “Moon Music,” adding to the excitement of the night.

“SNL” continues to provide sharp and witty commentary on the political climate, especially as the 2024 election cycle heats up. The show airs on NBC at 11:30 p.m. EDT/8:30 p.m. PDT, with next week’s episode set to feature Ariana Grande as host and Stevie Nicks as the musical guest.

Rudolph’s portrayal of Kamala Harris, combined with the comedic talents of the cast, offers a refreshing take on political debates, reminding viewers that laughter can be found even in the most serious of times. As the election approaches, “SNL” remains a staple for those seeking humor amidst the political chaos.