Watch Kamala Harris on SNL: ‘Keep Kamala and take her with you’

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U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (right) and U.S. actress Maya Rudolph participate in a late-night live sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) at NBC studios in New York, November 2, 2024. (Photo by CHARLY

Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on “Saturday Night Live” in the show’s cold open scene, joining Maya Rudolph’s character Harris and telling the audience, “Keep Kamala and don’t take ala with you.”

Harris’ appearance came in recent days before the presidential elections. Earlier in the day, Harris campaigned in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was scheduled to travel to Detroit. But when the plane took off, aides said it was actually headed to New York.

The first lines spoken by the candidate, sitting opposite Rudolf in identical outfits, were drowned out by the audience’s cheers.

“Nice to see you, Kamala,” Harris told Rudolph with a big smile that she maintained throughout the sketch. “And I’m just here to remind you, you got this.”

At the same time, both supporters must “keep Kamala and carry her with you,” declared they shared “faith in the promise of America,” and signed off, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”

Harris left immediately after the opening segment. She told reporters: “It was fun!” as she boarded the plane to New York. A campaign adviser to former President Donald Trump said the GOP presidential nominee was “probably not” invited to appear on SNL. Trump last appeared on the show in 2015.

Host John Mulaney and musical guest Chappell Roan moved the show away from politics after a cold open. None of them commented on the elections.

Some expected Roan, a 26-year-old singer who has become a major star in recent months, to make a political statement during her first appearance on the show. She has previously been sharply critical of the Democratic Party and refused to endorse Harris, although Roan stated several times that she planned to vote for her.

But she played it straight, or as straight as befits a mad theater artist. She sang her hit “Pink Pony Club” on an all-pink set bathed in pink light.

Sen. Tim Kaine also made a surprise appearance in a game show skit that included a gag that no one remembered him even though he was Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016.

“Less than eight years have passed. What is my name?” he said as the participants stood silent and surprised.

Rudolph first played Harris on the show in 2019, and she reprized the role this season, doing a perfect impression of the vice president, including calling herself “Momala” – a reference to the affectionate nickname her stepchildren gave her.

Polls show the race is tight as Trump and Harris hit NC

The 2024 presidential contests are entering their final weekend, with Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump competing against each other in a razor-thin contest. Andrew Smith, director of the University of New Hampshire Polling Center, joined LiveNOW from FOX’s Josh Breslow to discuss the issue.

Her former cast member Andy Samberg reappeared Saturday night as husband Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan portrayed running mate Tim Walz, and longtime alum Dana Carvey reprized her role as President Joe Biden .

Rudolph’s performance was met with critical and comedic acclaim, including from Harris herself.

“Maya Rudolph, I mean, she’s so good,” Harris said last month on ABC’s “The View.” “She had everything, the suit, the jewelry, everything!”

On Sunday, Harris will make another national television appearance, appearing in a two-minute spot during NFL games on CBS and FOX, including the Green Bay Packers’ games against the Detroit Lions, two swing state teams.