While you get over the shock of processing that headline, this editor would just like to point out that he doesn't recognize anybody from the screenshot that The Washington Post used to accompany its groundbreaking story. Those who watched Saturday Night Live this weekend were treated to a cold open set at the Republican National Committee's office that made fun of Pete Hegseth, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, and Mitch McConnell.
“Saturday Night Live” set the cold opening of its second episode of the season at the Republican National Committee’s offices in D.C., with cast members poised to record ads to excite the base ahead of midterm elections that aren’t looking good for the GOP. https://t.co/hRuVlUAZyJ
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 4, 2026
@washingtonpost Stunning and brave
— Struggle Session Musician (@1MansHealth) October 4, 2026
@washingtonpost They seem to be struggling to find out a stand out cast nowadays. Why in the world is this a WaPo story? Weird
— MaryLouWestin (@LouWestin) October 5, 2026
At least one person appears to have seen it.
@washingtonpost It was so weak. How’d they possibly pass on the Jack Smith hearing?!?
— Mark•Green (@W_Mark_Green) October 5, 2026
@washingtonpost I don’t know who any of these people are 😂
— Kool-Aid Vendor (@shadyskook) October 4, 2026
So this editor is not alone.
@washingtonpost Wow, how edgy.
— Brian lewis (@Brianlewisn4f) October 4, 2026
Imagine looking at the socialist, antisemitic clown car full of whackos and phonies running as Dems and concluding that the best comedy material is coming from the Republican side. https://t.co/VQxF2zbRRd
— Doug Powers (@ThePowersThatBe) October 5, 2026
@washingtonpost I think it would be funnier if SNL had cast members at the DNC creating spots supporting open borders, abolishing ICE, cashless bail, closing prisons, and, of course, supporting the wonders of socialism.
— Roger Pressman (@soflauthor) October 4, 2026
@washingtonpost https://t.co/EWhAwwkYM2
— The Judgmental Dog (@the_addressor) October 4, 2026
Recommended
Variety also picked up on this hot scoop:
Pete Hegseth Chugs 'Spider-Man’s Non-Alcoholic B---- Beer' in 'SNL' Cold Open That Mocks Tom Holland, Mitch McConnell and JD Vance https://t.co/5n5cC9tCa3
— Variety (@Variety) October 4, 2026
William Earl reports on the hilarity that ensued:
Marcello Hernández comes in first as Marco Rubio, who speaks to constituents in Spanish, admits that Trump did not live up to expectations and his endless war is not making things better.
Mikey Day then shows up as a frozen Mitch McConnell in a wheelchair, only able to give the peace sign and nearly derailing the fourth wall of the sketch when he mistakenly tries to say “Live from New York” too early.
…
The sketch’s highlight was Colin Jost returning as Pete Hegseth, who immediately chugs one of Tom Holland’s Bero beers, which he refers to as “Spider-Man’s new non-alcoholic bitch beer.”
The sketch, which parodied his unhinged “State of the Force” address this week, he also urges Republicans to do something shocking: “I need all you patriots at home to do the gayest thing ever and vote.”
He also noted that, “I’m putting God back in war and it’s working. Our soldiers are praying a lot more than they used to.”
We guess you had to see it. For what it's worth, Mediaite also wrote up the sketch:
SNL Drags the GOP Roster — Including a Feeble Mitch McConnell — in Bruising Cold Open https://t.co/pI7Z5gS08V
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) October 4, 2026
@Variety Do they think we've never been made fun of before? Do they think making fun of us harder is going to mean they 'win'?
— Sour Patch Mom ن (@sourpatchlyds) October 5, 2026
@Variety https://t.co/fHaLyaLbFE
— Tacos al Carbon (@Spicey_Meatball) October 5, 2026
@Variety https://t.co/ekSvNZSZqq
— Valdamar (@Archuleta4CO) October 5, 2026
@Variety Not sure what the year was, but I haven't watched SNL since the Peyton Manning skit. That was the last time I can remember it being funny.
— Civilpink (@OHMUNI_4) October 5, 2026
@Variety https://t.co/Bu2rFoaQRJ
— napoleon (@JhonDoesa) October 5, 2026
@Mediaite Powerful. Definitely not voting for him now.
— JWF (@JammieWF) October 5, 2026
@Mediaite Dems had a Nazi running, they have a guy banging his cousin, a dude who supports Hamas and is like 5’ and guy who shares a checking account with him mom and they didn’t see any jokes there huh? Wild.
— frankdoooooks (@frankdoooooks) October 4, 2026
It must have been a hilarious skit for The Washington Post to have reported on it. Important work, there.
***