Maya Rudolph’s Harris Shys Away from ‘Vibrating’ Vice Presidential Candidate in Parody of Walz-Vance Debate

The second episode of Saturday Night LiveWith Nate Bargatze as host and Coldplay as musical guest, the show’s 50th season brought big laughs – but it was the cold open that stole the spotlight.

The skit spoofed the October 2 vice presidential debate, with Maya Rudolph returning as Vice President Kamala Harris and Andy Samberg watching from home as second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Also returning were Bowen Yang as Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Jim Gaffigan as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with Heidi Gardner and Chloe Fineman taking on the roles of CBS anchors Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, respectively.

The skit captures the warm and sometimes awkward energy of the actual debate, with Vance and Walz deflecting tough questions – such as Vance’s previous comments comparing Donald Trump to Hitler, to which Yang’s Vance claimed: “Context is important .” I meant that as a compliment.”

Gaffigan’s Walz countered with his own error, parodying Walz’s real-life attempt to explain his discredited claim that he was in Hong Kong during the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre: “I think what happened is that I went after “I went to Epcot,” he replied. “Anyway, I’m an idiot.”

As the debate continued, Rudolph’s Harris became increasingly annoyed, especially when Walz blurted out, “I made friends with school shooters,” a line that reflected his real-life debate mistake.

As Samberg’s Emhoff tried to reassure her, she jokingly complained, “I wish I had chosen Josh now,” referring to a Cabernet wine and not Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was once on the shortlist stood to become her candidate buddy.

Yang’s Vance dodged questions about Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and repeatedly urged moderators not to fact-check him, falsely claiming, “Trump peacefully relinquished power…after saving Obamacare.” “

Similar to the real debate, Walz and Vance found common ground on certain issues. The camaraderie led to Rudolph’s Harris humorously spitting out her wine after realizing they agreed – and finishing each other’s sentences.

“Why are they friends? Why are they vibrating?!” she screamed at the television, red wine pouring out of her mouth.

The skit ended with Dana Carvey reprising his role as President Biden, perfectly capturing some of the president’s real-life lines, such as: “Oh, and by the way,” “Here’s the deal…” and “I’m serious.”

Carvey’s Biden downplayed the importance of vice-presidential debates by quipping, “Who the hell was Obama’s vice president? Nobody knows!”

Who will host next?

Oct. 12: Ariana Grande with musical guest Stevie Nicks

Oct 19: Michael Keaton with musical guest Billie Eilish

November 2nd: John Mulaney with musical guest Chappell Roan