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Message from the President Cold Open – SNL

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President Joe Biden (James Austin Johnson) delivers an important message about the Omicron variant.

In what ways does “Message from the President Cold Open” exemplify the ability of comedy to hold those in power accountable for current events?

On February 6th, 2021, the long-running sketch show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) opened with a cold open that captured the political and social chaos of the current American moment. This sketch, entitled “Message from the President Cold Open,” saw Alex Moffat impersonating President Joe Biden as he addressed the nation from the Oval Office.

The sketch begins with Moffat’s Biden stumbling over his words and struggling to stay on topic, a nod to the president’s occasional gaffes and difficulty speaking off-the-cuff. He then proceeds to address the American people about the pressing issues of the day, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, and racial justice.

Throughout the sketch, the writers deftly balance political commentary with humor, a hallmark of SNL’s approach to political satire. For example, when Biden discusses the need for unity and bipartisanship in Washington, he quips, “if there’s one thing I know from my years in the Senate, it’s that there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished if we all come together and hold hands and sing ‘Kumbaya’.” This line simultaneously pokes fun at Biden’s reputation as a moderate politician and highlights the absurdity of expecting unity in such a deeply divided political climate.

In addition to lampooning the president, the sketch also features guest appearances from politicians and media figures, including Ted Cruz (played by Aidy Bryant) and Andrew Cuomo (played by Pete Davidson). These impressions serve to further satirize the political class and their handling of the various crises facing the nation.

Overall, “Message from the President Cold Open” is a prime example of SNL’s ability to use comedy to comment on current events and hold those in power accountable. Through sharp writing and skilled performances, the sketch manages to be both hilarious and incisive, making it a standout moment in an already noteworthy season of the iconic show.