NEW YORK — In a surprise move just days before the election, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on Saturday Night Live, playing herself opposite Maya Rudolph’s popular portrayal in the show’s cold open. The live audience cheered as Harris, dressed identically to Rudolph, sat across from her double. “It is nice to see you, Kamala,” Harris told Rudolph, maintaining a broad grin throughout the sketch. “And I’m just here to remind you, you got this.” The pair, in sync, urged viewers to “Keep Kamala and carry-on-ala” before delivering the show’s iconic line, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” Harris’s unannounced visit, brief as it was, added a lighthearted moment to her final campaign push. After a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, she made a quick detour to New York City, arriving at SNL’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studio shortly after 8 p.m. for a rehearsal ahead of the 11:30 p.m. live show. She departed immediately after her segment, telling reporters simply, “It was fun!” Host John Mulaney and musical guest Chappell Roan largely avoided political themes in their performances. Mulaney discussed personal topics, while Roan, known for her critical stance on the Democratic Party, performed her hit “Pink Pony Club” without any political remarks. The episode featured additional surprise guests, including Senator Tim Kaine, who humorously lamented being forgotten as Hillary Clinton’s 2016 running mate. Andy Samberg reprised his role as Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, while Dana Carvey returned as President Joe Biden. Despite recent critical remarks from Trump adviser Jason Miller on Harris’s portrayal on SNL, her appearance echoed a long tradition of politicians engaging with the show. From Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama, SNL has provided a stage for public figures to connect with audiences in the crucial weeks before an election. — Agencies