Vice President Kamala Harris’ sudden ascension to the top of the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket sent shockwaves through the political sphere, but it’s also resonated through Hollywood: The moment President Joe Biden removed himself from the race, the internet began talking about Maya Rudolph’s “SNL” return as Harris.
The Emmy winner debuted her new impression of the VP in the sketch comedy series’ Season 50 premiere and received widespread praise from viewers and critics. Now, her most important critic is weighing in.
While appearing on “The View” Tuesday, the vice president offered her opinion on Rudolph’s performance. Co-host Joy Behar played a clip of the “Loot” star in the season premiere sketch, saying, “The cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ is delivering for you, I think she’s really good. She’s spot-on. Harris revealed she “hadn’t seen” the sketch, but definitely enjoyed it.
“Maya Rudolph, she’s so good,” Harris said. “She had the whole thing, the suit, the jewelry, the mannerisms,” she said.
This was her first live TV interview since becoming the Democratic nominee, and she definitely had words for her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. She criticized the “misinformation” he spreads at his rallies, as well as his tendency to obsess over fictional characters instead of the issues.
“What he does not talk about is you,” she said. “He does not talk about what you need, he does not talk about what your parents need, what your children need. That’s not what he talks about. He doesn’t talk about your child’s needs. He talks about his needs. Back to the point, in this election, people are ready for a new generation of leadership that’s about fixing problems.”
The VP wasn’t the only member of her family to get the “SNL” treatment. During an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff commented on Andy Samberg’s impression of him. “I approve. Andy, good job. I love… the ‘second gentlemensch’ line was pretty good,” he said.
Emhoff also praised the “Bridesmaids” star, saying, “Maya Rudolph, she’s so good as Kamala. She did a really good job.”
You’ll have to wait until after the election to possibly see Harris and Rudolph together, because “SNL” boss Lorne Michaels has no plans for either candidate to appear on the show before the presidential election.