"Saturday Night Live" is ready for the midterms.
The sketch show's latest cold open on Oct. 3 depicted Republicans recording a series of get-out-the-vote ads in response to "bleak" polling ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Marcello Hernández) delivered a message to Latino voters, followed by Sen. Mitch McConnell, who recently returned to the Senate after a long absence and questions about his health. Portrayed by Mikey Day, a confused-looking McConnell remained completely frozen when prompted to say his lines, though he did flash a peace sign.
Colin Jost reprised his role as Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who urged "all you patriots at home to do the gayest thing ever and vote" before moving into "some weird
slam poetry."
"I'm putting God back in war, and it's working," Jost's Hegseth also said. "Our soldiers are praying a lot more than they used to. I'm always hearing them say, 'Dear God, why?' "
James Austin Johnson's President Donald Trump finally came on stage to deliver his own midterm message.
"If the Republicans win, I'll give everyone $5,000, and that is not a bribe because I have no intention of following through on that promise," he said. "So just pretend I'm on the ballot, OK? You have to use something called imagination. Imagination makes a MAGA nation."
Johnson's Trump added that "I know it's hard, but please vote for Republicans," including "creepy" Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the Senate. The sketch closed with the "SNL" Trump recording two separate messages to be used if Republicans win or lose the midterms.
"We did it. We won!" Trump said in the version where Republicans win. And if Republicans lose? "We did it. We won!" he also said.
Dakota Johnson hosted the Oct. 3 episode of "SNL" and turned 37 in the middle of the show: The "Verity" star's birthday is Oct. 4. Taylor Swift, whose music video for her song "Patient Zero" starred Johnson, made a surprise appearance in the monologue after the "Fifty Shades of Grey" actress referenced her "really supportive" friends.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my literal therapist," Johnson said, pointing at Swift, her longtime pal.
"I'm not your therapist, actually," Swift said. "You just show up once a week at my house with an empty bottle of wine and ask if I want some."
Who's hosting 'SNL' next?
"SNL" will be back next week with Shane Gillis, returning for his third time as host with musical guest Rosalía.
The show will then be off until Oct. 31, when it will return for a Halloween episode with "Obsession" star Inde Navarrette hosting with musical guest Gracie Abrams.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'SNL' skewers Trump, Mitch McConnell in midterms-themed cold open
