WASHINGTON – Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley made a self-deprecating joke about a campaign error during her appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” However, her main target was Donald Trump, whom she mocked for his refusal to debate her and questioned his mental fitness.
In a sketch that parodied a CNN town hall, set in Columbia, South Carolina, Haley took aim at Trump. The upcoming primary in South Carolina on February 24th adds relevance to the sketch. The segment featured Kenan Thompson as Charles Barkley and Punkie Johnson as Gayle King, the hosts. James Austin Johnson portrayed Trump.
Haley, introduced as a concerned South Carolina voter, had an opportunity to question the candidate during the faux town hall. She asked, “My question is why won’t you debate Nikki Haley?”
Trump, who has been avoiding debates throughout the campaign, is currently the front-runner for the nomination. Haley remains his only major rival.
Upon hearing Haley’s question, the actor playing Trump responded with a sarcastic remark, mistaking her for Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker. This confusion arose from Trump’s recent campaign speech in New Hampshire, where he mistakenly attributed responsibility for Capitol security on January 6th, 2021, to Haley.
Haley later tweeted about her SNL appearance, expressing excitement and anticipation for Trump’s potential response in a series of unhinged tweets.
U.S. Capitol Police and the Security of Congress
The U.S. Capitol Police hold the crucial responsibility of ensuring security on the Capitol grounds and protecting Congress, working in collaboration with the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms. Amidst the aftermath of the siege on the Capitol, President Trump alleged that Speaker Pelosi had declined security measures offered by his administration. However, a special House committee investigating the incident found no evidence to substantiate this claim.
Haley’s Jibe at the Stand-In Trump
During a town hall event, when the stand-in Trump makes a mistake, Haley interjects with a sly comment, asking him if he is doing well and suggesting he may require a mental competency test. This playful banter brings some light-heartedness to the scene, captivating the audience.
Trump’s Boastful Cognitive Test
Trump, known for his self-confidence, proudly declares that he has excelled in cognitive tests in the past. In response to Haley’s jibe, Johnson’s Trump confidently asserts that he successfully aced the test with a perfect score, asserting his mental prowess to the audience.
Challenging Questions for Ambassador Haley
The skit concludes with an audience member, Ayo Edebiri, who plays a role in Hulu’s series “The Bear,” posing a thought-provoking question to Haley, now referred to as Ambassador Haley. Edebiri addresses Haley’s omission of slavery as the main cause of the American Civil War during a town hall event in New Hampshire. She humorously prompts Haley, questioning whether the cause starts with an ‘S’ and ends with ‘lavery.’ In response, Haley admits her mistake and acknowledges that she should have mentioned slavery as the primary catalyst for the war. The skit ends with a classic “Saturday Night Live” sign-off: “And live from New York, it’s ‘Saturday Night.’”
