Vice President Harris Surprises on SNL, Gives Advice to Maya Rudolph’s Version of Her

Vice President Kamala Harris made an unexpected appearance on the November 2, 2024 episode of “Saturday Night Live,” surprising audiences during the show’s final installment before Election Day.

The cameo featured Harris sharing a lighthearted moment with her on-screen counterpart, Maya Rudolph, who has famously portrayed her since 2019.

The show’s cold open parodied CNN’s “The Source with Kaitlan Collins,” presenting a spoof of a Trump rally before transitioning backstage to a fictional Harris campaign event in Philadelphia.

The scene opened with Andy Samberg, playing second gentleman Doug Emhoff, exiting the set. Rudolph, embodying the vice president, sat at a dressing-room table and sighed, “I 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.”

To her surprise, the real-life Harris appeared, taking a seat across from Rudolph. Both women wore nearly identical outfits, creating a mirror image moment that delighted the audience. In a humorous nod to her previous portrayals, Rudolph asked, “Do I really laugh like that?” after satirizing Harris’ signature chuckle. Harris, amused, replied with a smile, “A little bit.”

This marked the vice president’s first return to the show since launching her presidential campaign. Harris’ brief appearance came as part of a broader media push to engage voters, including interviews with popular personalities such as Alex Cooper of “Call Her Daddy” and radio host Charlemagne Tha God.

The vice president’s campaign has been navigating a tightly contested race against former President Donald Trump, with voter outreach efforts ramping up as Election Day approaches.

The night featured other notable guests, including comedian Andy Samberg, Jim Gaffigan portraying Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Dana Carvey reprising his role as President Joe Biden.

John Mulaney, who hosted the episode, has previously impersonated Biden and contributed to the show’s sharp political satire. Musical guest Chappell Roan also took the stage, following her public endorsement of Harris after initial hesitation.

“SNL” has long infused its comedy with political commentary, from White House press conferences to campaign debates. The 50th season, which began in September, opened with sketches spotlighting rallies by Harris and Trump, underscoring the show’s enduring role in framing the political landscape with humor.

Occasional appearances by real politicians on the show are rare but impactful. Saturday’s episode included an additional surprise from Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who is running for reelection. Kaine joined a sketch titled “What’s the Name?” where he humorously challenged contestants to remember his identity.

“I was Hillary Clinton’s vice-presidential running mate,” Kaine said. “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’s character failed to answer correctly, capturing the playful self-awareness that “SNL” thrives on.

The skit recalled other historic moments when political figures stepped into the studio. Donald Trump’s 2016 hosting stint, marked by controversy over his immigration rhetoric, and Hillary Clinton’s guest appearance as a bartender both left lasting impressions. Former President Barack Obama also appeared during his 2008 campaign, setting a precedent for candidate cameos.

Harris’ latest “SNL” moment was both a nod to her connection with popular culture and a strategic move to bolster her public persona just days before the nation heads to the polls.