As we approach the season 50 premiere of Saturday Night Live, there was a wealth of conjecture surrounding who would portray the notable figures in the 2024 presidential race, specifically Tim Walz and JD Vance. The show commenced with a rally scene featuring Kamala Harris, creating a buzz among her audience for Walz, whose character was taken on by no other but Jim Gaffigan.
Walz, in character, proceeded with a humorous monologue, indicating that he was thrilled when Harris reached out to him to be her vice president. He displayed enthusiasm laced with a heavy hint of irony, expressing his adoration for the country and a quip about his need for funds as a former educator, making the whole thing seem quite self-serving.
Meanwhile, Saturday Night Live had selected Bowen Yang to play JD Vance’s character. Yang painted Vance as uncomfortable and gloomy, something that was immediately evident in his initial remarks, ‘Donald Trump, you compared me to a son this afternoon because you neither like me nor can escape me,’ translating the character into a rather unwanted presence.
Vance, as depicted by Yang, further addresses the audience, ‘You must be well-aware of the liberal media’s portrayal of me: as a peculiar, distasteful creature, cluelessly existing. But let me clarify my purpose here: I’m here to rile up this crowd!’. This had the effect of underscoring the notion of him as an odd, outcast figure.
The ultimate unexpected element in the opening segment of the show was a fresh impersonation of Joe Biden, to add a certain spice to the proceedings. The current president’s role was assumed by a new actor, offering a fresh perspective on his persona.
During the sketch, Harris, always looking for a way to score political points, expresses gratitude towards ‘J-Biden’. ‘I admire your selflessness in prioritizing the country, and entrusting the leadership to others,’ she says — a clear and risky passing of the torch.
A visibly irritated Biden retorted, ‘That was never my intention!’ This unwillingness to hand over the reins offered a stark portrayal of Biden, emphasizing a certain degree of reluctance and disgruntlement in his decision-making.
Throughout the sketch, the portrayal of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden seems rooted in discomfort and tension. Harris, who is seen to be eager to take the reins from an unwilling Biden, is showcased as opportunistic.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden, enacted by a new actor eliciting a fresh wave of mockery, is portrayed as grouchy and indecisive, a far cry from the image of a dynamic and decisive leader.
In essence, the season 50 premiere of Saturday Night Live offers an amusing, albeit critical, depiction of political figures. The characters of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, in particular, are presented as flawed and illogical and their actions bereft of substantial reasoning.
On the whole, the show succeeded in providing humor while simultaneously critiquing current political scenarios. By spotlighting issues within the characters of Harris and Biden, the sketch succeeded in reflecting a darker undercurrent within their political strategies.
Through witticisms and strategic character portrayals, the show has managed to subtly question the motivations of the characters of Harris and Biden. This has painted a picture of political figures who are more invested in their personal pursuits than in serving the greater good.
Saturday Night Live thus highlights a landscape of political self-interest and opportunism through its portrayals. Simultaneously, the performances offer a harsh critique of these political characters who are often presented in a better light by certain media outlets.
In so doing, Saturday Night Live offers an alternative perspective on the political characters of Harris and Biden, unmasking their flawed strategies and personal motivations. Ultimately, the show provides critical commentary on current political affairs, served with a dose of humor to lighten the harsh realities.