Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost has sparked both laughter and controversy with a brutally honest joke about presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr's distinctive voice during the show's latest episode.
The sharp-witted comedian didn't hold back when addressing Kennedy's independent White House bid, delivering a punchline that left both the studio audience and his co-anchor Michael Che in stitches.
The Viral Moment That Divided Audiences
During his signature news segment, Jost tackled RFK Jr's political ambitions with characteristic dry humour, but it was his reference to the candidate's much-discussed vocal quality that truly captured viewers' attention. The joke proved so effective that even Che, known for maintaining his composure, broke character with visible amusement.
The moment quickly spread across social media platforms, with audiences divided between those appreciating the comedic take and others questioning whether the personal dig crossed the line from political satire into unnecessary mockery.
Kennedy's Voice: From Medical Condition to Political Talking Point
Robert F. Kennedy Jr's voice has become an unexpected focal point in the 2024 election conversation. The presidential hopeful has been open about his struggle with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition affecting the larynx that causes voice breaks and strained speech patterns.
Despite Kennedy's transparency about his medical condition, his distinctive vocal quality has frequently become subject matter for comedians and political commentators alike, raising questions about where legitimate political commentary ends and ableist humour begins.
SNL's History with Political Satire
Saturday Night Live has built its reputation on pushing boundaries in political comedy since its inception in 1975. The show has famously lampooned presidents from Gerald Ford to Joe Biden, with its political sketches often becoming defining cultural moments in American politics.
However, Jost's joke lands during particularly sensitive political times, as Kennedy attempts to position himself as a viable alternative to the expected Biden-Trump rematch. The independent candidate has struggled to gain consistent traction in polls while facing criticism from both major parties.
The segment demonstrates SNL's continued willingness to tackle current political figures head-on, though the personal nature of this particular joke has certainly generated more discussion than most Weekend Update one-liners.
