At the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York, former President Donald Trump took center stage as the only political candidate present, marking a break from tradition. Vice President Kamala Harris was notably absent due to a claimed conflict of scheduling, choosing instead to make an appearance via video.
ABC News reported that against a backdrop of humor and political jabs, Trump criticized Harris for skipping the event, alleging it was a slight to the Catholic community.
The prestigious dinner, a staple in presidential election years since 1960, is hosted by the New York Archdiocese to support charitable causes.
This year's dinner, held at the New York Hilton, was the first in four decades to feature just one candidate. Harris, who faced a scheduling conflict with a campaign stop in a key battleground state, opted to send a video message instead of attending in person.
In her video message, Harris appeared alongside actress Molly Shannon, who reprised her "Saturday Night Live" role as Mary Katherine Gallagher. The vice president's light-hearted video included remarks about honesty, a subtle nod to past disputes over election integrity, while Shannon's character offered comedic advice.
During his speech, Trump blended jokes with his usual rally rhetoric, targeting Harris with both humor and criticism. He acknowledged the challenge of delivering jokes to an audience with divided opinions about him. He remarked wryly about enjoying New York, particularly when not confronted with legal subpoenas.
Trump's humor also took aim at his legal issues, referencing his status as a convicted felon in New York. He extended his barbs to former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, garnering a mixed reaction from the audience. Notably, he drew gasps when he suggested he would "dispose" of Harris, pushing the boundaries of the event's tradition of light-hearted banter.
Structurally integral to the dinner is the presence of both presidential candidates, a tradition Harris's absence disrupted.
Trump criticized her absence, calling it disrespectful to the Catholic community. He further jabbed at her by suggesting she would have attended if the event's proceeds were destined for Minneapolis rioters arrested during protests.
Historically, the Al Smith Dinner has been a significant event in presidential campaigns, drawing candidates from both parties to engage in friendly jest while raising funds for charity. Named after Alfred E. Smith, the first Catholic presidential nominee from a major U.S. party, the dinner has only seen candidate absences a few times, with the last being in 1984 by Walter Mondale.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan, currently known for his portrayal of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on "Saturday Night Live," hosted this year's event. The dinner provided both comic relief and tension with its blend of scripted laughs and unscripted political commentary.
Ahead of the dinner, Trump used social media to criticize Harris, accusing her of being anti-Catholic. He also reiterated claims, lacking evidence, that her administration was persecuting Catholics. This rhetoric further fueled the tension surrounding Harris' decision not to attend.
Notably, this isn't the first time Trump has stirred controversy at the Al Smith Dinner. In 2016, Trump repeatedly targeted Hillary Clinton, who had quipped about his connections to Russia. Despite the usual expectation of light-hearted camaraderie, Trump's remarks once again took on a sharper edge.
Harris's video response to Trump included a play on the commandment against lying, indirectly addressing some of his previous statements. This exchange at the dinner highlighted the ongoing political rivalry between the former president and the current vice president.
The Al Smith Dinner remains a unique event on the campaign trail, offering a mix of comedic respite and political theatre. Each candidate's approach to the event reflects broader campaign dynamics and strategic priorities.
