2 weeks Ago By Max Corstorphan
US presidential hopeful Vice President Kamala Harris has landed one of her biggest celebrity endorsements yet: appearing on the long-running US TV show Saturday Night Live opposite the woman who sends her up. Actor and comedian Maya Rudolph first impersonated Ms Harris on the programme in September 2019, depicting a fun aunt holding a cocktail that was ready to be America’s “Mom-ala”. However, after US President Joe Biden dropped out of the election and Ms Harris was nominated by her party, the show has changed tact, showing a more serious vice president capable of being Commander in Chief.
In a skit on Saturday, Rudolph, performing as Ms Harris said: “Gosh I wish I could talk to someone who has been in my shoes. A Black, South Asian woman running for president, preferably from the Bay Area.” Rudolph sat in front of a mirror and with a quick camera angle change, the real Ms Harris was revealed sitting opposite.
“You and me both sister,” Ms Harris replied as the audience erupted with laughter and applause. The two sat at the empty mirror, framed with light bulbs to emulate a professional make-up room, exchanging both kind words and jokes, at one point volleying off each other, making up words to rhyme with Kamala. “The American people want to stop the chaos, and stop the ‘drama-la’, with a new ‘step-mom-ala’,” the duo quipped.
The skit appears to have been carefully crafted alongside Ms Harris or her team. The vice-president only shared positive remarks, with Rudolph left to make jibes at former President Donald Trump, but was playfully self-deprecating when she asked Rudolph if she really sounded “like that” when she laughed. The question echoed a 2008 moment when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared on Saturday Night Live alongside actor and comedian Amy Poehler during the Democrats’ primary voting, asking “Do I really laugh like that?” Although the program mocks both major parties, it is impossible to ignore its preferential treatment towards Democrats over the years.
As for Ms Harris’ performance, supporters will love it, and Trump supporters will think it’s another attempt from the Democrat to capture media buzz and campaign on vibe without having any policy. Appearing on the show, which is currently celebrating its 50th season, would be a huge deal for most, but not for Ms Harris. It is just another entry in the ever-growing list of celebrity endorsements and pop culture opportunities she has collected while campaigning for the Presidency.
During the skit, the duo moved to stand side by side during the appearance where Rudolph said ”Let me tell you something, I’m going to vote for us,” with Ms Harris jokingly asking if she was registered in Pennsylvania, a key swing state. Presidential campaigns have for years been lifted by celebrities giving speeches at rallies, posting on social media or even performing at special events. Ms Harris’ campaign has included endorsements or appearances from stars like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Pink, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Madonna, Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, Eminem, Stevie Nicks, Britney Spears, Cher, Lizzo, Chappell Roan, Bruce Springsteen, Will Ferrell, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sarah Jessica Parker, George Clooney, Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Lee Curtis and Meryl Streep, just naming a few.
On Mr Trump’s side, UFC President Dana White, Mel Gibson, Dennis Quaid, Rosanne Barr, Kid Rock, Amber Rose, Azealia Banks, Hulk Hogan, Mike Tyson, Don King and Joe Rogan are the more recognisable names. The list may be shorter, but even with the massive list of endorsements Ms Harris has not seen the swing her campaign desperately needs. The division between Harris and Trump supporters is a big ol’ Grand Canyon at the moment, with some Americans cutting off friendships or family members if they claim they do not share their voting views.
So support from a celebrity they admire could hold significant influence to continue the cause. Max Corstorphan Ms Harris’ appearance on Saturday Night Live is unlikely to win her any new voters. At this stage in a 100+ day campaign, few Americans are still trying to decide who to vote for.
Campaigns are instead focusing on voter turnout, hoping they can secure the numbers needed to win through messaging and appearances. The polls in seven key swing states are tight, like in North Carolina where Mr Trump is just 1.5 per cent above Ms Harris, with most analysts saying the election remains a toss-up dependent on voter turnout.
Whether or not Ms Harris’ appearance will boost her ratings on Tuesday and lift her into the presidency remains to be seen, but at least for Saturday Night Live, her appearance is likely a big win..
