Staff Reports
Kamala Harris has carved out a new niche in the political landscape: the first presidential candidate in decades to dodge the famed Al Smith dinner, and the political implications are just too rich not to be discussed. For those unfamiliar, the Al Smith dinner is a time-honored tradition where politicians exchange lighthearted jabs, and the laughter echoes like the sound of ice cream trucks in summer. Yet, in a potentially record-setting move for someone in her position, Harris has decided that schmoozing with the elite and engaging in good-natured repartee simply isn’t on her agenda.
In a country craving unity and good vibes, it’s curious that Harris would choose to sit this one out. Perhaps she sensed that the gathering would radiate too much of that dreaded thing called bipartisanship. Or, maybe she was just too busy perfecting her poker face for the upcoming debates. Either way, avoiding a dinner that’s more about camaraderie than controversy is a bold move from a candidate trying to convince the public that she can indeed take a joke—or at least dish one out.
Kamala Harris shirks a presidential tradition: Letters to the Editor — Sept. 27, 2024 https://t.co/9llyEEpma9 pic.twitter.com/dZIConjmjZ
— NY Post Opinion (@NYPostOpinion) September 27, 2024
Observers are scratching their heads, trying to understand the rationale behind this peculiar decision. Could it be that Harris is steering away from events historically laden with humor to avoid drawing attention to her less-than-stellar approval ratings? It’s well known that some of the best roast material is served up on a silver platter, and leaving the dinner table prematurely means risking a media buffet of unflattering comparisons and biting commentary.
Moreover, Harris’s absence at such a revered political gathering raises eyebrows about her confidence going into the election cycle. The Al Smith dinner isn’t just about the food—although, let’s be honest, the dessert table is often the real star—it’s also a litmus test for how well candidates can handle themselves under the spotlight of humor. If Harris doesn’t have what it takes to engage in some friendly banter, what does that say about her ability to handle serious political debates? One can almost imagine the late-night comedians rubbing their hands together in glee, waiting for the punchlines.
Political analysts are already speculating about the implications of this no-show. It’s almost as if Kamala Harris set the stage for her political naysayers, allowing them to make the cases that she is more interested in avoiding any semblance of reality rather than engaging with it. Instead of enjoying a night filled with levity and laughter, she has chosen to step aside, leaving the spotlight open for others—all while voters are left wondering if this is a sign of deeper issues lurking beneath her campaign surface. Perhaps next time, a little humor could go a long way in winning over the hearts and minds of the American people.
