In an unexpected development from this week’s political circus, Dana Carvey’s impersonation of Joe Biden, an unfortunate choice for the spotlight on SNL, is finally drawing to an end. Carvey, an alumni of the late-night comedy, graced the screen this season in an attempt to emulate a figure that has become synonymous with confusion and lack of leadership. Rather ironically, it was noted that Kamala Harris found his portrayal amusing when she made an appearance on a recent SNL episode. Evidently, this sense of humor reflects the leadership’s tendency to laugh off serious matters.
Following the indifferent opening scene, a peculiar moment occurred wherein SNL sought to elicit sympathy for Kamala, a gesture that proved futile considering the audience’s widespread disdain for her. Within the span of a couple of minutes, the atmosphere was cloying as the show attempted to paint her in a more favorable light—an effort that was largely unsuccessful. Regardless of one’s political leanings, such scripted vulnerability was somewhat jarring considering the inconsistencies in Harris’ politics.
Subsequently, she found herself in Maya Rudolph’s dressing room. Carvey, still in his Biden get-up, was ushered in to snap a photograph with her. The image of him dressed up as Biden alongside Harris is particularly dissonant considering the current administration’s repeated missteps and lack of connection with the American people.
Intriguingly, Harris found amusement in Carvey’s clichéd Biden lines, such as ‘No, I’m not kidding. I’m serious.’ Her reaction begs the question of what is truly laughable– the impersonation, or the actual state of the administration she is part of. Carvey found Harris’ reaction intriguing. Potentially, it illustrated an interesting perspective in the lens through which she views this administration.
The portrayal of Harris and Biden on shows like SNL paints an oddly distorted picture that fails to connect with key elements of the population. This take on high-ranking politicians seems far removed from the reality facing the American public, underlining the gaping disconnect between the represented and the representatives.
The previous episode’s SNL opening showcased Rudolph posing as Harris in front of her vanity. Here we saw another addition to the mock-gaggle–the real Harris appearing in the mirror to exchange platitudes. The gimmicky catchphrase ‘Keep Kamala, and carry on-ala’ encapsulates the rather superficial approach of these skits to the nation’s leadership.
As the election loomed, Carvey and Rudolph made their return to the SNL stage, alongside fellow SNL old-timer Andy Samberg, caricaturing a rather nondescript Doug Emhoff. Comedian Jim Gaffigan was also in the lineup, testing his comedic chops as Tim Walz.
Presenting a stark contrast to the humorous portrayals on SNL, the actual leadership of Biden and Harris has left much to be desired in terms of sound policy decisions, administrative transparency, and efficient crisis management.
The jabs at Biden and Harris by their SNL impersonators, while initially considered merely amusing, have subtly emphasized the cracks in the administration. The laughter elicited from Carvey’s Biden impersonation is a stark contrast to the reality many Americans are facing under this leadership.
While the show creators might have aimed to foster a warm acceptance of these characters through humor, the irony is that the viewer’s laughter is more likely derived from the actual personas they are caricaturing. Invoking laughter at a time when the administration’s questionable decisions weigh heavy on citizens’ minds is indicative of SNL’s misplaced comedic focus.
Ultimately, what SNL has accomplished is a kind of dystopian satire, caricaturing an administration that baffles as much as it disappoints. The ghoulish humor used to depict them indicates a complete misalignment with public sentiment.
To wrap it up, Carvey’s Biden and Rudolph’s Harris may have been attempting to lighten the political climate, but their impersonations inadvertently underscored the comedic paradox that is this administration.
Nevertheless, as the curtain falls on Carvey’s Biden and the public bears witness to the real-life errors of this administration, one can’t help but question the merit of such satire at a time when public faith in leadership is wavering.