Title: “SNL Satirizes House Speaker Chaos with Hilarious Cold Open”
By Isabel Keane
Published Oct. 22, 2023, 9:02 a.m. ET
“Saturday Night Live” took aim at the struggle to elect a new House speaker in its latest episode, mocking Rep. Jim Jordan, fringe allies Reps. George Santos and Lauren Boebert, and former President Donald Trump. The show’s cold open brilliantly spoofed the lawmakers’ inability to reach a consensus on the speakership.
In the sketch, Mikey Day portrayed Rep. Jim Jordan, who recently lost a secret ballot vote to remain the GOP nominee for the speakership. Speaking from his office, Day’s Jordan admits defeat but assures himself that he will eventually shut down Congress again.
Amidst the chaos, Jordan’s assistant (played by Heidi Gardner) brings him a new phone and introduces George Santos, portrayed by Bowen Yang, who arrives with a baby to offer support. When questioned about why he has a baby, Santos humorously responds with uncertainty before suggesting to put the baby in an Uber.
Expressing condolences, Yang’s Santos tells Jordan that he voted for him, along with someone named Shoshanna Loggins. The comedic response from Day’s character, “Who’s that?”, leads to hilarious banter between the two.
Chloe Fineman’s Lauren Boebert also makes an appearance, calling into Jordan’s office and discussing his failed bid for speakership while being groped in a theater – a reference to Boebert’s real-life scandal.
Eventually, former President Donald Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, enters Jordan’s office and playfully mocks the congressman. Day’s Jordan questions Trump’s previous endorsement and subsequent disappearance. Johnson’s Trump responds by stating that he prefers winners like Michael Jordan and Jordin Sparks, citing her hit song “No Air.”
Johnson’s Trump also suggests that people believe he would make an excellent speaker while eluding to his 91 felony charges. As Jordan vents his frustrations about why his intimidation and threats didn’t work, Johnson hilariously retorts that Jordan simply isn’t as funny as him.
The cold open resonated with audiences, highlighting the comedy and satire that “Saturday Night Live” is known for. The sketch also marked the second episode of the season, hosted by rapper and singer Bad Bunny, who also performed as the musical guest.
Next week’s episode is set to be hosted by stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze, with the Foo Fighters taking the stage as the musical guest. As SNL continues to provide laughter and commentary on current events, viewers can anticipate more clever and hilarious sketches in the future.