Hillary Clinton's Running Mate On SNL

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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Hillary Clinton's Running Mate on SNL: A Look Back at Kate McKinnon's Hilarious Impression

The 2016 US Presidential election was a time of intense political engagement and, of course, endless fodder for late-night comedy shows. One particular sketch on Saturday Night Live (SNL) became a cultural phenomenon: the cold open featuring Kate McKinnon's portrayal of Hillary Clinton choosing her running mate.

This sketch was notable for several reasons:

• It perfectly captured the humor of the political climate: The election was filled with drama, surprises, and plenty of material for satire. The SNL writers used this to their advantage, crafting a sketch that poked fun at Clinton's campaign strategy and the media's obsession with the election.
• Kate McKinnon's performance was phenomenal: Her impression of Hillary Clinton was spot-on, capturing both her mannerisms and her political persona. McKinnon's comedic timing and physicality brought the character to life, making her the perfect choice for the role.
• The sketch became a viral sensation: Clips of the sketch were shared widely online, with many praising its humor and sharp political commentary.

The Running Mate Selection: A Comedy Goldmine

The cold open began with McKinnon's Clinton seated at a desk, surrounded by advisors. She is tasked with selecting her running mate from a diverse pool of candidates, each representing a different aspect of the political spectrum.

The sketch was filled with comedic moments:

• The "Bernie" Character: The sketch features an exaggerated, caricatured version of Bernie Sanders, played by Beck Bennett. Sanders constantly interrupts Clinton, advocating for his "Bernie-or-bust" strategy and railing against the "establishment."
• The "Elizabeth Warren" Character: McKinnon's Clinton struggles to convince the audience that she's not just choosing her running mate based on their "likeability." This leads to a hilarious encounter with an Elizabeth Warren character, played by Cecily Strong, who emphasizes her tough-talking, "fight for the people" persona.
• The "Tim Kaine" Character: Finally, Clinton settles on the "safe" choice: Tim Kaine, played by Beck Bennett. The sketch highlights Kaine's perceived lack of charisma, even having him attempt to win over the crowd with a "killer" dance move.

The Impact of the Sketch

The SNL sketch served as a humorous commentary on the 2016 election and its complexities. It captured the public's fascination with Clinton's running mate selection and highlighted the different factions within the Democratic Party.

It also cemented Kate McKinnon's status as a comedic powerhouse, showcasing her talent for political satire. The sketch went on to be nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Sketch Series, demonstrating its significant cultural impact.

Ultimately, the "Hillary Clinton running mate" sketch was a hilarious and insightful snapshot of the 2016 election, showcasing the power of SNL to engage with current events through humor and satire.