‘SNL’ tackles Trump’s second impeachment acquittal in cold open

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjE5m5JEuVg

For everyone smart enough not to waste their weekend watching Saturday’s impeachment proceedings unfold on TV, “Saturday Night Live” provided a summary of the events that led to former President Donald Trump being acquitted for a second time.

In the show’s cold open, which occasionally toed the line between comedy and stenography, Tucker Carlson (Alex Moffat) welcomed a parade of Republican figures to comment on Trump’s acquittal.

First came Lindsey Graham (Kate McKinnon) who, along with Ted Cruz (Aidy Bryant) attempted to cast doubt on whether the Capitol riots were fueled by Trump.

“We all agree the attack on the capitol was a horrible thing,” McKinnon said. “But just because the rioters were yelling ‘Fight for Trump’ doesn’t mean that they meant Donald Trump. Could have been some real Tiffany heads. Maybe even some Eric stans, I don’t know.”

After an appearance by Trump’s incompetent lawyers (Mikey Day and Pete Davidson), Mitch McConnell (Beck Bennett) showed up to explain why Trump was ultimately acquitted.

“Everyone knows you cannot impeach a former president,” Bennett said. “That’s why we should have impeached him before, back when I said we couldn’t.”

When Moffat asked Bennett what came next, the senator immediately talked of bipartisanship.

“I don’t know about my colleagues, but I plan to reach my hand across the aisle,” Bennett said. “And then yank it back and slide it across my hair and say ‘Too slow!'”