The United States is experiencing yet another divisive campaign season, but there may be a place where Americans can find calm and camaraderie: a vice presidential debate.
“Saturday Night Live” followed up a historic, Season 50 premiere with more satire as Tuesday’s debate between nominees for vice president, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, provided enough moments of reason and agreement to inspire a bromance-like peace among the would-be foes.
The “SNL” recreation had repertory player Heidi Gardner playing CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell, who introduced the running mates. “Let’s say hello and then goodbye for the next four years to our vice presidential candidates,” she said.
Walz, played by comedian Jim Gaffigan, is a former teacher and high school football coach tapped by Vice President Kamala Harris (Maya Rudoph) as her Democratic running mate.
Observed with a stack of papers, Walz was asked if he was taking notes for the debate.
“I gotta grade these papers,” a harried Walz said. “Got a stack of midterms.”
Vance (Bowen Yang) was asked by debate cohost Margaret Brennan (Chloe Fineman) how he’d address the crisis in the Middle East. “That’s such an important question Margaret, one that deserves an answer,” he said.
Walz suggested he’s the man with the answers — the easy answers. “I’m just going to say the word fundamental a bunch,” he said.
Asked if he still believed running mate and former president, Donald Trump, is “America’s Hitler,” Vance said, “I meant that as a compliment.”
Walz interjected, “This guy’s good — he’s got an answer for everything.”
“That’s quite kind,” Vance answered.
Soon the pair discovered they are compatible and may even think alike in some ways. “That’s an area where we have a lot of common ground,” Vance and Walz said in tandem as they realized both have had to back away from past statements.
A rendition of Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” played. Rudolph’s Harris did a spit take with her wine.
Harris, husband Douglas Emhoff (Andy Samberg), and President Joe Biden (Dana Carvey) were watching the debate on television in disbelief. “Why are they vibing,” Rudolph’s Harris said.
Walz took advantage of 10 seconds left on the debate clock.
“I gotta get some points on the board here so I’m just going to chuck a hail Mary,” he said. “Senator, would you admit that Donald Trump lost the election?”
Vance responded, “You know, Tim, I’m focused on the future.”
“Boom,” Walz said, throwing his arms up to indicate a touchdown. “It’s good!”
Back at the Harris’ household’s viewing, Emhoff also declared victory, telling his wife, “We got the soundbite.”
He asked, “What are the pollsters saying?”
Harris answered that it was “a huge victory — it made no difference.”
Comedian Nate Bargatze hosted. Musical guest Coldplay performed.
“SNL” airs on NBC, a division of NBCUniversal, which is also the parent company of NBC News.