SNL Throws Everything at the Wall — Including an Awkward Nikki Haley Cameo — in Fantastically Cringe Cold Open

Saturday Night Live tried everything this week in a disjointed 7-minute cold open — including a cameo from Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.

The sketch was set up as a Republican town hall on CNN featuring former President Donald Trump (played by James Austin Johnson). The forum was moderated by Gayle King (portrayed by Punkie Johnson) and Charles Barkley (Kenan Thompson). Despite the fact that King Charles has largely been a ratings flop during its brief run, SNL only took one mild shot at the show during the sketch.

“We’re the co-hosts of a real CNN show that combines our two names. King Charles,” said King.

“Yeah, I thought it should be gay bar,” Barkley said — as the words GayBar appeared on screen in the King Charles font. But then I was told that that was terrible.”

From there, Trump was brought in for several rounds of questions from audience members at the faux town hall — including Sen. Tim Scott (played by Devon Walker) stopping by to call Trump “the best, most handsomest presidential candidate that I’ve ever seen.”

And then, an actual South Carolina politician dropped in on the sketch — the state’s former governor, Nikki Haley, who was greeted with what could only be considered fairly modest applause for an SNL cameo guest.

“Yes, hello,” Haley said to the fake Trump. “My question is, why won’t you debate Nikki Haley?”

Trump made reference to his gaffe last month in which he confused Haley with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

“Oh my God, it’s her,” Trump said. “The woman who was in charge of security on January 6th. It’s Nancy Pelosi.”

To close out the sketch, Haley made light of her own recent gaffe.

“What would you say was the main cause of the Civil War?” Haley was asked. “And do you think it starts with an S and ends with a Lavery?”

“Yeah, I probably should have said that the first time.” Haley said.

Watch above, via NBC.