Jason Sudeikis parodies Biden from 8 years ago in SNL cold open
Saturday Night Live and host Jason Sudeikis put a Halloween spin on the cold open this week by reminding us all how frightening it is to be haunted by your younger self.
The opening sketch begins with President Biden, played by new SNL cast member James Austin Johnson, lamenting his sagging approval ratings to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, parodied by Chloe Fineman. "Things are gonna turn around, right?" SNL Biden asks his press sec, only for Fineman's Psaki to say she's "bad at lying, so I'm gonna leave."
"I don't understand. People used to like me," Biden continues, after Fineman's departure. "I miss the old me. Where the hell did that guy go?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Right on cue, in walks a finger gun and aviator-clad Sudeikis playing a jovial and confident version of the commander in chief from eight years ago, when he was still just the vice president and had the "easiest gig in the world."
"How can you be me? You seem so happy, so carefree, so...what's the word I'm looking for?" asks 2021 Biden. "Lucid," Sudeikis' Biden quickly replies.
From there, the two Bidens discuss how social norms have changed over the last eight years, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), and how former President Donald Trump "ruined everything." Shortly after, another older (but still confident) version of Biden walks through the Oval Office door, this time played by cast member Alex Moffat. When Sudeikis asks which era he's traveling from, Moffat happily replies, "March 2021" before heading out.
Soon, it's time for 2013 Biden to leave, but not before imparting some wisdom on Biden of the present: "Remember, we may be from different eras, but at the end of the day, we're both Joe freakin' Biden."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
Wicked fails to defy gravity
Talking Point Film version of hit stage musical weighed down by 'sense of self-importance'
By Tess Foley-Cox Published
-
Today's political cartoons - November 20, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - mountaineering, an even match, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Kimpton Everly Hotel: the perfect base to explore Hollywood
The Week Recommends Escape the bustle of LA at this laidback bolthole
By Caroline Dolby Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Movies to watch in October, from 'Joker: Folie à Deux' to 'Saturday Night'
The Week Recommends Joaquin Phoenix as Joker, a new Jason Reitman comedy and a buzzy Palme d'Or winner
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The remarkable comedy of Julio Torres
The Explainer His latest endeavor, "Problemista," continues his peerless artistic run
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published