During his recent monologue on Saturday Night Live (SNL), comedian Dave Chappelle urged President-elect Donald Trump to rise above pettiness and strive for better leadership. The heartfelt appeal came at the conclusion of an unusually lengthy monologue that also addressed a range of societal issues including the fallout from the recent L.A. fires and the importance of empathy for marginalized communities.

Chappelle recounted an impactful moment from 2008 when former President Jimmy Carter visited Palestine, displaying compassion and humanity that he felt contemporaneously lacked in modern politics. He said, “I don’t know if that’s a good president, but that right there, I am sure, is a great man," emphasizing the need for leaders to remember the humanity of their positions. He directly appealed to Trump, stating, "The whole world is counting on you," and added, “Please, all of us, do better next time."

The monologue follows a consistent pattern of Chappelle hosting SNL post-presidential elections, a venture he has undertaken since Trump's first win in 2016. This year, however, the show initially opted for a different host, which Chappelle humorously acknowledged during his appearance, as he expressed his desire to take time to formulate a thoughtful response to the political landscape.

Additionally, Chappelle’s segment included jokes about recent headlines, including controversies surrounding various public figures. For instance, SNL also faced criticism for an inappropriate joke that drew mixed reactions from the audience regarding both Trump and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.

Ultimately, Chappelle's SNL appearance stands as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that accompany leadership, calling for empathy and understanding in a time rife with division. His message resonated well beyond the comedic space, addressing essential human values.

For more about the political landscape and Chappelle’s views, see the full coverage by the Daily Beast.