This week, an interesting fact came to light: Vice President Kamala Harris has opted out of attending the Al Smith charity dinner on Thursday evening, a decision that remains unchanged despite numerous requests to the contrary. The dinner is a staple event of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation and the Vice President’s choice to merely send a pre-recorded video as her contribution evokes contemplation.
Harris, whose track record has often been viewed as unsympathetic towards Christian sentiments, will be noticeably missing from the annual affair. This direct involvement in the evening’s happenings is a tradition, not only for political nominees across the aisle but for the main occupants of the White House as well.
In this quintessential event, political figures not only mingle with each other but are encouraged to display a lighthearted side. They participate in self-mocking behavior and gently rib their competitors, a refreshing departure from the intensity of the sheltered political world.
However, the absence of Kamala Harris, according to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, adds an unwelcome skew to the event. Dolan, with a hint of regret in his voice, claimed, “This year will be imbalanced because, sadly, Kamala Harris isn’t coming. Such a decision leads to a sense of disappointment given the event’s purpose.”
The Cardinal elaborated, highlighting how the essence of the Al Smith dinner hinges on unity. “The undercurrent of the evening is about bringing people together in a spirit of civility, infused with patriotism and a touch of humor. It’s not intended as a campaign stop. Nor is it aimed as a platform for political speeches or grandstanding,” Dolan further clarified.
Expressing his disappointment, Dolan lamented the lost opportunity of this event, especially since Harris herself champions the cause of turning down the heat, saying, “we’ve missed an evening to explore a quality sorely needed in today’s increasing acrimony, which she herself has eloquently voiced: that we ought to steer clear of hostility.”
The Cardinal reassured that the gathering is not intended as a roast but rather filled with generous doses of light-hearted fun. He explained, ”There is, indeed, a fair amount of playful teasing, but the spirit of the night is never meant to unsettle attendees. Instead, it is an opportunity to share laughter and goodwill.“
The evening serves as a distinctive cross-section of New York society, and many misconstrue it as having a religious agenda due to its Catholic emcee. To this, Dolan clarified, “It’s not about endorsing a particular faith. Instead, its nature mirrors the diversity of New York.”
Dolan emphasized that audience members aren’t there as partisan participants. He explained, ”It’s not a Republican or Democratic crowd per se. It’s more about representing balanced viewpoints and promoting dialogue.”
In response to the announcement that Harris would forego a personal appearance for a pre-recorded video, Donald Trump offered his thoughts via Truth Social: “Just found out that Kamala is choosing a recorded address tonight instead of gracing the Al Smith Dinner personally.”
The former President expressed his dissatisfaction with her choice. “The medium of a video message should have been off the table,” he commented. “Kamala, like nearly all of her Presidential peers throughout history, should be present in person, with the notable exception of Walter Mondale, who experienced a landslide defeat in the elections.”
Trump then opted to recall his experience, highlighting that a video message was neither offered nor would have been his preferred mode of address. In his view, this was a sign of respect to all involved in organizing the event.
In a concluding remark, he boldly urged consequences for such a perceived slight: “It’s a significant dishonor to everyone partaking in the event. If she is not physically present at the event, it may lead to a loss of support from the Catholic community.”
While the Vice President’s decision to not attend in person has caused a stir, it also serves as a reminder of the dynamics of political gatherings. These events serve as more than simple dinners – they are a microcosm of wider America, encapsulating its diverse demographics, beliefs, and ideals.
Ultimately, the Al Smith dinner promotes unity and camaraderie in an increasingly divided political climate. Irrespective of the attendance, its significance remains undiminished, demonstrating the tenacity of American spirit in the face of adversity.
NEW: Kamala Harris releases her pre-recorded video for the Al Smith dinner in New York that she didn’t show up for.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan made fun of the Vice President after the crowd gave a dismal applause once it ended.
Cringe. pic.twitter.com/9dvsYQub9h
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 18, 2024
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “The fact is, we need new leadership in this country. Right now we have someone in the White House who can barely talk, barely put together two coherent sentences, who seems to have the mental faculties of a child… But enough about Kamala Harris.” pic.twitter.com/SNDNSedqwO
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024