Staff ReportsIn a surprising turn of events, “Saturday Night Live,” a show often criticized for its liberal slant, managed to pull off a skit that was genuinely amusing. With the recent political climate heating up following the 2024 election, this particular episode featured a light-hearted exchange between departing President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, a moment that is sure to resonate with many Americans who are looking for a good laugh amid the usual political turmoil.
The skit, which kicked off with the two characters meeting at the White House, took a humorous look at the contrasting personalities of Biden and Trump. Dana Carvey, a veteran of the show, reprised his role as Biden, while regular cast member James Austin Johnson took on Trump’s iconic persona. They played off each other well, showcasing the absurdities that both leaders bring to the table. Carvey’s Biden hilariously begins by expressing his love for the White House, only to backtrack after reflecting on the chaos of his presidency, a moment that many viewers could appreciate given the incompetence of his administration.
SNL: TRUMP AND BIDEN WHITEHOUSE MEETING 😂 pic.twitter.com/njpKBx4LVz
— Big Kahuna (@BigEkahuna1) November 17, 2024
Although the main duo hit their marks with the audience, the inclusion of Alec Baldwin as RFK Jr. fell flat. Baldwin’s attempts at humor in portraying Kennedy were met with lackluster response, suffering from both poor delivery and a tone that veered into disrespect rather than satire. It raises the question of who really clamored for Baldwin’s return to impersonate anyone. His portrayal wasn’t funny and lacked the finesse that turns political jokes from cringeworthy to clever.
The show also took a swing at former Rep. Matt Gaetz, portrayed by Sarah Sherman. Unfortunately, the attempt was uneven, leaning more towards mean-spiritedness than humor. The delivery left much to be desired, making it difficult for viewers to find anything truly funny within the jabs. It’s a reminder that poking fun at political figures can be effective if done with the right balance, which this skit ultimately struggled to achieve.
Despite a few bumps in the road, the main focus of the skit, which involved a witty back-and-forth between Trump and Biden, was a highlight. It served as a refreshing reminder that while politics can be divisive, humor still has a place in bridging the gap, even for a show often seen as taking a one-sided approach. With a little luck and better writing, “SNL” could continue to deliver skits that resonate with a broader audience, perhaps signaling a new era where humor can be found on both sides of the aisle.
