Is Kamala even trying to win?
Vice President Kamala Harris recently made headlines with her surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” but not for the reasons she might have hoped. Instead of showcasing her policies or vision for the future, her performance has drawn criticism for lacking originality and even borrowing from past sketches, particularly those of her political rival, Donald Trump.
In a cold open segment, Harris spoke to a fictional version of herself, played by Maya Rudolph, in a setup strikingly reminiscent of a 2015 skit featuring Trump on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon. This sketch saw Trump engaging with his reflection, a gag that Harris seemingly recycled, leading to sharp reactions from viewers and commentators alike. Radio host Ari Hoffman remarked that Harris “ripped off” Trump’s bit, which was “double the length,” highlighting her inability to create something original.
The parallels between Harris’ sketch and earlier appearances by Hillary Clinton were also noted. Clinton appeared on SNL during her 2008 and 2016 campaigns, often using humor to connect with voters, but ultimately those attempts did not secure her the presidency. Critics suggest that Harris is making a similar misstep, channeling Clinton’s approach without acknowledging the lessons from her predecessor’s defeats.
SNL’s writers are being called out for their lack of creativity, as one viewer pointed out the repetitiveness of the jokes. Moreover, Harris’s choice to appear on a comedy show instead of engaging in substantive discussions about policy is being framed as a desperate attempt to garner public affection just before an important election. This perception was echoed by the Republican National Committee and Trump’s campaign, with spokesman Steven Cheung asserting that Harris is out of touch with the American people, opting for “fluffy public shows” rather than addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
Furthermore, her appearance raised eyebrows among political analysts, including a senior Republican commissioner from the FCC, who labeled it a “clear and blatant effort” to sidestep the Equal Time rule. With her campaign already struggling, many are questioning whether this foray into comedy is a wise move or a sign of desperation.
As Harris travels from rallies in Atlanta and Charlotte to make her media appearances, her critics are left wondering whether this strategy will resonate with voters or further highlight her shortcomings as a candidate. With the stakes high and the clock ticking, it remains to be seen if her comedic turn will translate into meaningful support or if it will merely serve as a footnote in her political journey.
