In a recent episode, the renowned comedy show Saturday Night Live took a satirical swipe at the attempts of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) to ascend to the coveted position of Speaker of the House, ultimately replacing Kevin McCarthy. Kicking off with the show’s signature cold open, the sketch depicted Jordan, played by Mikey Day, seething with anger and frustration over yet another failed attempt at clinching the Speaker’s position. Momentarily embracing a self-aware stance, Jordan laments, “All I want to do is get Congress back to work so I can shut it down again.”
Drowning in disappointment, Jordan finds solace in the form of a morale-boosting visit from some of his fellow Republicans, including George Santos, portrayed by Bowen Yang, and Lauren Boebert, played by Chloe Fineman. However, the highlight arrives with the entrance of a gregarious Donald Trump, brilliantly depicted by James Austin Johnson, who swiftly lifts Jordan’s spirits in a quintessentially Trumpian manner.
Making a grand entrance, Trump casually queries, “Is this the losers’ office?” In response, Jordan graciously welcomes the former president, reminiscing about Trump’s past endorsement of his political endeavors. However, he couldn’t help but express his dismay over the apparent lack of active support during his bid for the speakership. Trump, in classic fashion, quips, “I prefer the Jordans who win, okay? Like the great Michael Jordan. Or the even greater Jordin Sparks.”
Undeterred, Jordan tries to justify his strategies, citing tactics such as intimidation and threats, which he believed would resonate with Trump. Baffled by his failure, Jordan plaintively questions Trump, “Why didn’t it work?” Trump, with an air of self-assured superiority, concedes, “Frankly, you’re not me.”
Undeterred by Jordan’s plight, Trump delivers his comeback with a blend of humor and condescension, stating, “You’re no fun, I’m hilarious… You’re little Jim Jordan, I’m Donald Trump, okay? I’m Coke, you’re Shasta.” Despite Jordan’s persistent reiteration of Trump’s endorsement leading to a loss, the former president remains nonchalant, responding with a curt, “Seems to be happening a lot.” The skit effectively highlighted the political rivalry and dynamics within the Republican party, while also capturing the essence of Trump’s larger-than-life persona.
