Joe Biden’s campaign means Jason Sudeikis will be very busy
By Matt Moore
Now that Joe Biden is officially running for president in 2020, what does that mean for Jason Sudeikis?
2020 may end up being the final number of Democrats running for president as well as the year of the next election. Former Vice President Joe Biden has officially joined the crowded field. It also means things could be a little more crowded at Saturday Night Live.
Politics have always been a major part of Saturday Night Live since the show began in 1975. Making fun of the president has been a staple of sketches. But more attention has been put on SNL’s political sketches due in part to the country’s political climate as well as direct responses from the president himself.
Political sketches have provided fans with some of their favorite moments. Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, Darrell Hammond as Bill Clinton, and Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump are among some of the best impressions in the show’s history and not just when it comes to politicians.
Joe Biden has made his candidacy official. He immediately becomes a serious contender for the Democratic nomination alongside Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, and Bernie Sanders. And while a potential Biden presidency would be welcomed by those eager to return to the Obama era, it would also signal good news for Saturday Night Live alum Jason Sudeikis.
Sudeikis joined SNL as a performer in 2005. Biden’s 2008 run for the White House and selection as Barack Obama’s running mate opened the door for Sudeikis to show off his Biden impression a number of times. Playing up the folksy, “Uncle Joe” persona, Sudeikis’s take was a crowd favorite and hilariously entertaining.
Biden in the race means more public appearances, town halls, and eventually debates for the former vice president. These are popular sources of material for SNL writers so fans should expect Sudeikis to get a call from Lorne Michaels sooner rather than later. We’ve already been treated to one Sudeikis-as-Biden appearance this season:
Jason Sudeikis was a popular cast member during an era of fan-favorites like Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Bill Hader. Bringing him back is a smart move considering the crowd reactions but also because his Joe Biden is too good to replace. SNL is basically stuck but this is a good problem to have. It’s the same reason no one but Baldwin can do Trump or Larry David as Bernie Sanders.
Sudeikis himself looks to have enjoyed returning to the white hair and big teeth in the cold open above. The chance to return to SNL in sketches alongside Kate McKinnon, Kenan Thompson and others still in the cast is one he likely won’t pass up.
If you need a reminder of just how good Sudeikis was as Biden, don’t worry because we have you covered. Enjoy a couple throwback sketches and get ready to see more of Sudeikis in Studio 8H.
light. Related Story. Here's how past president reacted to Saturday Night Live
We may see Jason Sudeikis as soon as the next episode of Saturday Night Live airs. That will be on May 4 when Adam Sandler returns to host. It will already be a big episode as season 44 draws nearer to the end so it could be a perfect chance to formally reintroduce Joe Biden as an SNL character. Keep checking Last Night On for all the updates!