News & PoliticsKamala Harris on SNL: Appropriate for president?

Kamala Harris on SNL: Appropriate for president?

Kamala Harris‘s much-anticipated appearance on Saturday Night Live last night didnโ€™t disappoint! Harris is known for her wit and charm. She brought a lively energy to the show. Her famous โ€œKamala laughโ€ blended political insight with unexpected humor. Hereโ€™s a look at some of the highlights that had audiences buzzing.

The Cold Open: A Nod to the Past and Current

Harris kicked things off with a sketch set in a surreal โ€œdebate from the pastโ€ scenario. She embraced her former debate persona with a sly grin. She also brought classic โ€œIโ€™m speakingโ€ energy. It was a callback to her famous 2020 debate moment. The sketch included an SNL twist. Instead of facing off with a political opponent, she humorously debated herselfโ€”quite literally.

Harris participated in a comedic exchange with SNL cast member Ego Nwodim. Nwodim did an uncanny impression of Harris. They played up her โ€œIโ€™m speakingโ€ moment to comical extremes. They threw back the line at each other in a lighthearted duel. It was a fun and fresh way to revisit one of her most viral moments. It also subtly poked fun at her own no-nonsense reputation.

The Monologue: Kamalaโ€™s Candid Humor

For her opening monologue, Harris shared anecdotes about life as Vice President, balancing diplomacy with comedy. She shared a few good-natured jabs at her โ€œunofficialโ€ title of โ€œsecond most-watched heartbeat in America.โ€

Kamala Harris on SNL: Appropriate for president?
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to reporters in Philadelphia, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

She joked that even her coffee orders get analyzed for political meaning these days. Her delivery was warm and humorous, with just enough of that VP seriousness to make her punchlines land with impact.

In true SNL fashion, she also couldnโ€™t resist commenting on the โ€œKamala laughโ€ internet phenomenon. She said, โ€œThey tell me itโ€™s contagious. Guess itโ€™s a good thing Iโ€™m vaccinated!โ€ The line earned roars of laughter. The audience applauded, which proved sheโ€™s in on the joke. She is also unafraid to laugh at herself.

Weekend Update: A Special Appearance

One of the nightโ€™s best moments happened during Weekend Update. Harris joined Michael Che and Colin Jost at the desk. She joked about her reputation for being the โ€œfun auntโ€ of the political scene.

She laughed about everything from her sneaker collection to the โ€œspecial set of skillsโ€ sheโ€™s acquired for handling Senate negotiations. Che asked her if she ever feels like a substitute teacher trying to keep rowdy kids in line. Harris just gave him an exasperated nod. โ€œYou have no idea.โ€

She also chimed in on the upcoming election season. She offered a wink and a shrug as she teased, โ€œLetโ€™s just say, Iโ€™m not done yet.โ€ The statement was delivered in a lighthearted tone. It hinted at her continued political ambitions. This kept the audience laughing without getting too heavy.

A Hilarious Fashion Segment: โ€œKamalaโ€™s Closetโ€

In one of the more light-hearted sketches, SNL introduced a mock shopping network segment called โ€œKamalaโ€™s Closet.โ€ During this segment, Harris and cast members modeled items from her now-iconic wardrobe. These items included blazers, pearls, and, of course, those classic Converse Chucks.

Harris played herself. She hilariously described each item as if it were part of a VP uniform. She even joked about the blazers having special pockets โ€œfor storing the Constitution.โ€ There was also a โ€œhidden caffeine pouch for those endless policy meetings.โ€

Kamala Harris on SNL: Appropriate for president?
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., attend a campaign event Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Brookfield, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Her self-aware humor shined, and the crowd loved watching her laugh along with each joke. She even poked fun at her collection of pant suits. She called them โ€œthe armor of a woman on a mission.โ€ This earned a cheer from the audience.

A Closing Act with Choreography

For the final sketch of the night, Harris closed out the show with a dance numberโ€”yes, you heard that right. She joined the cast in a choreographed bit that leaned into her reputation as โ€œMadam VPโ€ with a lighthearted twist. Harris performed a quick dance with some SNL regulars. They danced to Stevie Wonderโ€™s โ€œHigher Ground.โ€ It was a fitting choice given her positive, uplifting presence throughout the night.

The show ended with Harris delivering a thank-you to the audience and the cast. He said, โ€œIf only solving Congress was this easy!โ€ Then he flashed that famous grin before heading offstage.


Final Thoughts: A Kamala Comedy Win

Kamala Harrisโ€™s SNL appearance wasnโ€™t just another political guest spot. It showcased her unique ability to balance humor with authenticity. She laughed at herself. She leaned into some good-natured jabs. She reminded us why sheโ€™s one of the most recognizable figures in American politics today.

Harrisโ€™s SNL debut will go down as one of the best political appearances on the show. It combines a perfect blend of humor, charisma, and that inimitable laugh. This proves that, yesโ€”sheโ€™s more than ready for prime time.

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