Tim Kaine makes surprise ‘SNL’ appearance with host John Mulaney

Tim Kaine, the Democratic senator from Virginia and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 vice presidential running mate, made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” ahead of the 2024 presidential race.

Kaine hit out at “SNL” host John Mulaney in a quiz show sketch “What’s That Name: Election Edition” when Mulaney’s character was challenged to identify him.

“You voted for me to be a heartbeat away from the Oval Office in an election more recent than the release of ‘Zootopia’. What’s my name?” Kaine said.

Mulaney in character as quiz show contestant Ben gave a confused answer, pointing out the similarities between Kaine and the current Democratic VP challenger, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: “It’s not my fault. If he was a more memorable guy like Tim Walz. This is very much a guy like Tim Walz. Let’s see them side by side. Not only does he look like Tim Walz, his name was also Tim. His real name was Tim.”

Kaine replied, “My name is still Tim. I exist. I am a senator representing Virginia.”

The sketch also featured the “SNL” regular as a contestant identified as “Margaret.” At the end of the sketch, it was revealed that she was playing Canadian author Margaret Atwood, known for the influential dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”.

Mulaney’s character is frustrated when he is challenged to name a victim of police brutality other than George Floyd. He turns on the “What’s That Name” host played by Michael Longfellow to criticize the show. “Why don’t you use your platform to go after the real problem? Do you realize that if Donald Trump wins, we will be living in a reality version of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. “

Sherman as Atwood then interjects, “I’m sorry to interrupt…If you’d read that book, you’d see we’re pretty much halfway there.” As Mulaney’s Ben tries to dismiss the comment, the host explains, “This woman is the author of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.'”

The Nov. 2 episode marks Mulaney’s sixth time hosting NBC’s late-night anchor. In 2022, the comedian was inducted into the show’s elite “Five-Timers Club” for those who have hosted the show five or more times.

Mulaney worked on “SNL” from 2008 to 2013 as a writer. He made few on-air appearances during that time. His first came in April 2010 on “Weekend Update,” where he advocated selling Girl Scout cookies year-round.

Over the years, Mulaney has become known for appearing in such sketches as “Diner Lobster,” “Subway Churro,” “Airport Sushi” and “Cha Cha Slide,” according to NBC.

Mulaney’s star has risen over the past decade thanks to a string of successful comedy specials for Netflix, including “Everybody’s in LA” and “Baby J.”