'SNL' mocks defenders of U.S. President Joe Biden's age and acuity

Heidi Gardner as Dana Bash and Michael Longfellow as California Gov. Gavin Newsom on "Saturday Night Live." Photo by Will Heath/NBC
Heidi Gardner as Dana Bash and Michael Longfellow as California Gov. Gavin Newsom on "Saturday Night Live." Photo by Will Heath/NBC
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March 3 (UPI) -- This weekend's edition of Saturday Night Live opened with a comedy sketch mocking defenders of U.S. President Joe Biden's age, energy and acuity.

The 5-minute segment showed CNN anchor Dana Bash (played by Heidi Gardner) interviewing California Gov. Gavin Newsom (Michael Longfellow) about polls that suggest many Americans don't think that Democrat Biden, 81, is sharp enough to lead the country for another four years if he wins re-election in November against presumptive Republican candidate and former president, Donald Trump, 77.

The sketch also includes on-camera remarks from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre (played by Ego Nwodim), Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas (Marcello Hernández) and pro basketball player Draymond Green (Devon Walker), who all profess that Biden is an articulate dynamo "behind closed doors."

Newsom implored voters to look at Biden's record, not his often confusing performances during speeches and press conferences.

"He's created more jobs than any other president in history. Inflation is down. The Shamrock Shake is back [at McDonald's] and Beyonce has gone country. Thank you, Joe!" Newsom said, adding he finds Biden to be "lightning quick" in their private meetings.

United States President Joe Biden departs the White House in Washington, DC on Friday, headed out on a weekend trip to Camp David. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI
United States President Joe Biden departs the White House in Washington, DC on Friday, headed out on a weekend trip to Camp David. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI

Jean-Pierre described Biden as "the most vigorous man I've ever known," citing as proof his "whirlwind" daily schedule, which includes leading a SoulCycle class, playing speed chess in the park, meeting with the join chiefs of staff whom he challenges to a push-up contest, and lunch where he eats five whole chickens and a raw potato.

The press secretary went on to say voters should only question Biden's age if they're "scared of wisdom."

Ego Nwodim arrives on the red carpet at the "Men In Black International" World Premiere at AMC Loews Lincoln Square in 2019 in New York City. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
Ego Nwodim arrives on the red carpet at the "Men In Black International" World Premiere at AMC Loews Lincoln Square in 2019 in New York City. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Mayorkas said he was exhausted trying to keep up with Biden as they recently visited Texas to discuss how to address the staggering flow of asylum seekers entering through the southern border of the United States.

"He wiped me out," Mayorkas said, adding Biden went into "beast mode."

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks to highlight investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in wildfire preparedness and resilience in San Bernardino, Calif., in 2022. File Photo by Eric Thayer/UPI
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks to highlight investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in wildfire preparedness and resilience in San Bernardino, Calif., in 2022. File Photo by Eric Thayer/UPI

"He parkoured to the top of the border wall. He front-flipped into the Rio Grande and came back up with a fish in his mouth. But you didn't report that because it doesn't fit your little narrative."

Bash then countered, "With all due respect, it doesn't fit reality."

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC on February 27. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC on February 27. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Green then said he could see Biden "had that dog in him" when they recently spent time together.

"He is strong! Joe's got that Grandpa Munster strength," Green said.