Kamala Harris surprises fans with SNL appearance

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris took a surprise trip to New York City. This unannounced visit happened just days before the election. It was a special moment for her supporters and fans of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL).

On Saturday, Kamala Harris spoke to voters in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was expected to fly to Detroit after that. However, once she boarded Air Force Two, plans changed. Instead of heading to Detroit, aides revealed she was flying to New York City to appear on SNL. This episode is the last one before Election Day, which is on Tuesday.

Harris's appearance was confirmed by three people who knew about her plans but were not allowed to share details publicly. This surprise visit was exciting for many people. It showed that even busy politicians can take a moment for fun and laughter during serious times.

Maya Rudolph, a well-known actress and comedian, has played Kamala Harris on SNL since 2019. She does a funny and spot-on impression of the vice president. In her sketches, Rudolph calls herself "Momala," adding a playful touch to her character. She opened the season premiere of SNL with a memorable line: “Well, well, well. Look who fell out of that coconut tree.” Her jokes often poke fun at President Joe Biden, and audiences love her performances.

In addition to Harris, her husband, Doug Emhoff, is played by former SNL cast member Andy Samberg. President Biden is portrayed by Dana Carvey, who is famous for his impressions of past presidents. These fun roles add to the show's comedy and appeal.

Maya Rudolph's performances have received praise from both fans and Kamala Harris herself. Last month, Harris spoke about Rudolph on ABC’s "The View." She said, “Maya Rudolph — I mean, she’s so good. She had the whole thing, the suit, the jewelry, everything!” Harris also admired Rudolph’s mannerisms, showing her appreciation for the actress’s work.

Politicians have a long history of being featured on SNL. For example, Harris's Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, hosted the show in 2015. Hillary Clinton also made appearances during her presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2016. During her time on the show, Clinton famously questioned her own laugh, asking, “Do I really laugh like that?”

The first sitting president to appear on SNL was Gerald Ford. He joined the show in 1976, less than a year after it began. Ford's appearance is still remembered for his famous line, “Live from New York!” Barack Obama also made a memorable appearance on SNL in 2008 when he was still a candidate.

In 1996, Republican Bob Dole appeared on the show just days after losing the election to Bill Clinton. Dole’s visit included a touching moment with comedian Norm Macdonald, who played him on the show.

Tina Fey’s impression of Sarah Palin during the 2008 campaign is another highlight in SNL’s history. Fey's line, “I can see Russia from my house,” became very famous and even earned her an Emmy award. Later that season, Sarah Palin herself appeared on the show before the election.

Kamala Harris’s surprise visit to SNL reminds us how politicians can connect with the public in light-hearted ways. With Election Day just around the corner, her appearance on the show will likely leave a lasting impression on voters. It also shows that humor can be a powerful tool in politics, making serious topics more relatable and enjoyable.