By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Vice President Kamala Harris has made an unexpected trip to New York to appear on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), three days before the election. Harris left for New York after a campaign stop in North Carolina, with her aides confirming the change of plan after Air Force Two had taken off. Harris’ appearance on the show was confirmed by three unidentified sources. Actor Maya Rudolph has been playing Harris on SNL since 2019, a performance that has received critical acclaim, including from Harris herself. Harris’ husband is played by former SNL cast member Andy Samberg, while Dana Carvey portrays President Joe Biden.
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Kamala Harris will make an appearance on SNL in the final episode before the presidential election, and I can’t help but feel both excitement and skepticism. This decision seems like a strategic play by the Harris campaign, aimed at connecting with low-propensity voters who may not feel energized about their choice this election cycle. It’s fascinating how pop culture has woven its way into politics, enabling candidates like Obama to shift perceptions and reach audiences that traditional campaigning sometimes misses. It parallels my own hopes and anxieties about what this appearance could signal in a political landscape so deeply divided.
I hear she’s developed quite the comedic prowess, particularly her impersonation of Maya Rudolph, which many have claimed is *terrific*. If there’s ever a moment for her to showcase a lighter side while still addressing the serious issues at hand, it would be now. I can only imagine the sketches they might concoct, especially if they decide to lean into a courtroom setting where Harris humorously, yet pointedly, highlights Trump’s past transgressions. This type of swiftness and sharpness could allow her to resonate with viewers who may normally dismiss conventional political discourse. It’s all about relatability in this election, and humor might be her best vehicle.
The buzz surrounding this episode is palpable. My friends who are die-hard political junkies can’t stop talking about it. News of the Secret Service conducting security checks raises questions about the gravity of her appearance and what it says about the current climate. Having the SNL cast, including Maya Rudolph and perhaps even a comeback from Andy Samberg as Emhoff, would create a powerhouse dynamic worthy of Saturday night entertainment. Lorne Michaels’ decision to feature Harris could certainly have ripple effects considering past appearances of candidates and their subsequent electoral success.
Critics of SNL’s choice to book Harris are bound to pop up, lamenting the perceived “election interference” or labeling the show as biased. It’s almost predictable at this point to imagine Trump hitting “send” on yet another angry Truth Social rant about the show and how he claims it’s detrimental to his campaign. The juxtaposition between Harris’s willingness to laugh at herself and Trump’s habitual defensiveness portrays a stark contrast in character—one that might sway undecided voters to reevaluate their allegiances in a light-hearted environment.
However, amidst all this excitement, there’s a sense of caution. SNL can sometimes fall flat in its attempts at political comedy, and the risks of backfiring are ever-present. Yet, if Kamala cleverly navigates her time on stage, leveraging wit and incisive commentary, this could very well become a defining moment not only for her campaign but for the election as a whole. I find myself wondering if this might indeed break Trump’s already tenuous hold on rationality as he comes face-to-face with the reality of an empowered woman standing confidently on such a significant platform.
For a moment, I think about the past—how Bob Dole appeared on SNL, and how that served as a moment of levity post-election. Yet, Harris is aiming for something more than just fun; she’s seeking to mobilize and unify. This could be her opportunity to show that she can not only govern but engage and be accessible, perhaps winning over some of those disaffected voters who haven’t felt they have a choice this cycle. The notion that every presidential candidate who has appeared live on SNL has eventually won their election makes one pause and think about the weight of this opportunity.
As I prepare for Saturday, the mix of expectations and apprehensions fills me. There’s hope in seeing her embody this multi-faceted role—politician, leader, and relatable human being. Harris stepping onto that stage could resonate long after the credits roll, shaping narratives and impacting feelings going into the election. I may even find myself tuning in for the first full episode in years, holding my breath for what unfolds. Let’s see if Kamala Harris can bend the flow of pop culture to her favor—not merely as a participant, but as an influential force on a national platform in the final moments before an election that will determine the future.