Tim Kaine makes a surprise “SNL” appearance with host John Mulaney

Tim Kaine, the Democratic senator from Virginia and Hillary Clinton's 2016 vice presidential running mate, made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” on the cusp of the 2024 presidential election.

Kaine stunned “SNL” host John Mulaney in a quiz show sketch “What's That Name: Election Edition” when Mulaney's character was asked to identify him.

“You voted to put me a heartbeat away from the Oval Office in an election more recent than the release of 'Zootopia.' “What's my name?” Kaine said.

Mulaney, playing quiz show contestant Ben, gave a nervous response, pointing out the similarities between Kaine and the current Democratic vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: “It's not my fault. If he were a more memorable guy like Tim Walz. This is a guy like Tim Walz. Let's look at them side by side. Not only does he look exactly like Tim Walz, his name was also Tim. Actually his name was Tim.”

Kaine replied, “My name is still Tim. I exist. I am a senator representing Virginia.”

The sketch also featured the “SNL” regular as a contestant named “Margaret.” At the end of the skit, it was revealed that she was playing Canadian author Margaret Atwood, known for the influential dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale.

Mulaney's character is frustrated when asked to name a victim of police brutality other than George Floyd. He approaches the “What's That Name” host, played by Michael Longfellow, to criticize the show. “Why not use your platform to address the real problem? Do you realize that if Donald Trump wins, we'll be living in a real-life version of The Handmaid's Tale? “

Then Sherman, as Atwood, interjects: “I'm sorry to interrupt… If you read this book, you'd see that we're basically halfway there already,” while Mulaney's Ben, trying to brush off the comment, explains the host: “This woman is the author of 'The Handmaid's Tale'.” “

The Nov. 2 episode marks Mulaney's sixth time hosting the NBC late-night series. In 2022, the comedian was inducted into the show's elite “Five-Timers Club” for those who have hosted the show five or more times.

Mulaney worked as a writer on “SNL” from 2008 to 2013. During this time he only made a few on-air appearances. His first appearance was on “Weekend Update” in April 2010, in which he advocated for the year-round sale of Girl Scouts cookies.

Over the years, Mulaney became known for appearing in sketches such as “Diner Lobster,” “Subway Churro,” “Airport Sushi” and “Cha Cha Slide,” according to NBC.

Thanks to a series of hit comedy specials for Netflix, including “Everybody's in LA” and “Baby J,” Mulaney's star has risen over the past decade.

Check out the sketch below.