Democratic presidential nominee and US Vice-President Kamala Harris addressed a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 2, 2024. – Reuters
Kamala Harris' unexpected appearance on 'Saturday Night Live,' a strategic move by the Democratic presidential candidate in her campaign against Republican Donald Trump, mirrors the actions of previous candidates, including Trump himself. In October 2015, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an appearance on the NBC-TV comedy and political satire show as she prepared for a series of Democratic primaries in the early months of the following year. Clinton, portraying a bartender, was complimented by an SNL cast member for being 'really easy to talk to.' In character, Clinton quipped, 'That's the first time I've ever heard that,' a subtle jab at her public image of being aloof.
In the following month, the long-running late-night show provided equal airtime to Trump, who would go on to defeat Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump appeared in a sketch envisioning his presidency two years ahead, stating, 'I don't have to get specific' about policy, reflecting his lack of political and governance experience. Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, who later secured a high-level position in the White House during her father's presidency, played his secretary of the interior, humorously suggesting the Washington Monument was now covered in gold-mirrored glass, mocking her father's extravagant tastes.
Although the sketch elicited some laughs, it sparked outrage among Latino activists who condemned what they perceived as Trump's racist views on immigration. Additionally, former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin made an appearance on the 40th anniversary SNL show in 2015, amid speculation about her potential White House run. Palin jokingly stated on the show that she would consider Trump as her vice presidential running mate. However, this scenario never materialized, as Palin did not enter the presidential race.
Separately, SNL hosted both Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain in 2008.
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