In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, the show revisited the world of politics with a hilarious cold open featuring a game of 'Family Feud' between Team Harris and Team Trump. The sketch, which aired on October 13, 2024, brought together a star-studded cast of characters, each playing a role that poked fun at the quirks and personality traits of the presidential candidates.
Hosted by Kenan Thompson as Steve Harvey, the game show setup allowed for Maya Rudolph's Kamala Harris, Andy Samberg's Doug Emhoff, Jim Gaffigan's Tim Walz, and Dana Carvey's Joe Biden to face off against James Austin Johnson's Donald Trump, Mikey Day's Donald Trump Jr., and Bowen Yang's J.D. Vance. The game was a perfect vehicle for the show to tackle various political issues and personal traits of the candidates in a light-hearted manner.
The cold open began with Steve Harvey introducing himself and making a humorous remark about being paid millions for his job. Maya Rudolph's Kamala Harris responded by addressing her media blitz from the week prior, saying, 'I went on Howard Stern to reach the horny cab drivers, I went on 'The View' for horny moms and I also went on the podcast 'Call Her Daddy' because I have a message for young women: you need to go to the ballot box if you want the government out your ballot box.' This line highlighted Harris' efforts to connect with different demographics and her commitment to empowering women.
Andy Samberg's Doug Emhoff introduced himself with a quirky remark, saying, 'Tis I, Doug. AKA Doug the Shrug. AKA if Mr. Belding from 'Saved by the Bell' had sex with a menorah.' This character addition added to the comedic value of the sketch and highlighted Emhoff's playful personality.
Jim Gaffigan's Tim Walz addressed Steve Harvey directly by saying, 'I am such a huge fan of your standup, Cedric.' However, Harvey shot back with a witty remark, 'Tim, when Black comedians talk about white people, they're talking about you.' This exchange showcased the quick-witted banter that is characteristic of both Harvey and Gaffigan's characters.
Dana Carvey's Joe Biden played up the mental fitness factor by saying to Harvey, 'Thank you, Regis.' This reference to the classic game show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' added another layer of humor to the sketch and highlighted Biden's age and perceived mental acuity.
James Austin Johnson's Donald Trump was asked if he brought his wife Melania to the game. In response, he said, 'It's so strange I could've sworn she was standing right beside me two years ago. But in her place I've brought another beloved member of the Trump family, and also Don Jr.' This line poked fun at Melania's notable absence from her husband's campaign trail.
The game kicked off with Harris and Trump going head-to-head to see who could choose an item one would find in their car's glove compartment. Maya Rudolph's Harris finally answered the question by channeling her penchant for staying on message: 'Steve, look, I was raised in a middle-class family. My mother raised my sister and me. She worked hard and saved up. And she had a mother too.' When prompted again for an answer, she quipped, 'Oh, a Glock, Steve. A big ol' Glock.' This reference to Harris' recent viral interview moment where she admitted owning a firearm added another layer of humor to the sketch.
The sketch also gave Johnson an opportunity to shine as Trump as he's been somewhat overshadowed by the cameos on the democratic side this season. 'To answer this, I'm gonna do one of my signature weaves,' he said before moving into a meandering answer. After he stopped talking, Harvey looked at the board and said, 'Show me dementia!' This exchange highlighted Trump's infamous ability to weave words into nonsensical statements.
Despite being down a player without Melania, Team Trump had minimal impact because JD Vance (Bowen Yang) and Donald Trump Jr. (Mikey Day) were 'told not to speak.' When it came time for Trump (Johnson) to give an answer, he instead 'weaved' and changed the subject completely to complain about immigration. This further emphasized his tendency to divert from the question at hand.
The rest of the cold open leaned heavily into the media's portrayal of the candidates as the two teams battled it out for glory. Harris' suggestion of 'a Glock' ultimately became the number one answer on the board with 'a second gun.' Enthusiastically, Emhoff suggested a gun as well, which added to the comedic value of their responses.
Jim Gaffigan's Tim Walz gave several options like napkins from Runza or Tums for when he eats something 'spicy' like 'tomato.' However, none of his 'white nonsense' were answers on the board. A confused Biden asked 'Conan' to buy a vowel, further adding to his character's comedic relief.
The sketch was well-received by the audience and provided a light-hearted take on the serious issues surrounding political campaigns. It highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate in a humorous manner that is characteristic of SNL's style.
