Staff ReportsVice President Kamala Harris has decided to skip the upcoming 79th annual Al Smith Dinner, a longstanding tradition wherein presidential candidates take a break from their usual campaign bluster to engage in a little light-hearted roasting. Many might wonder if her absence is a strategic retreat to avoid what could be a fresh round of embarrassment, particularly given that this is where former President Donald Trump delivered one of his most memorable and irreverent set pieces against the likes of Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer back in 2016.
The Harris camp offers a rather convenient excuse, claiming the vice president is far too busy campaigning in vital battleground states to indulge in the culinary and comedic spectacle that usually draws a crowd of over 1,500 attendees. While Harris is reportedly on the move, one can’t help but speculate if there’s a more pressing reason for her absence: a strong aversion to yet another on-stage dissection by Trump, who has proven to be a master of wit and improvisation that often leaves his opponents scrambling for cover.
NEW: Kamala Harris announces she will skip the Al Smith Dinner in New York, the same event where Trump roasted Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer in 2016.
The Catholic fundraiser is expected to have 1500 guests in attendance.
As reported by CNN, Trump "stunned attendees" in… pic.twitter.com/KzYZ8wZJZL
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 21, 2024
As the clock ticks down to the October 17 event in New York City, it’s clear that the Al Smith Dinner has a rich history of roasting political figures on both sides of the aisle. Trump’s 2016 performance is still talked about, where he aimed his barbs at the Democrats, suggesting Clinton might have missed her invitation because of her questionable email practices. Let’s be honest; who wouldn’t want to see Harris face a similar fate, especially since she has made headlines for lesser gaffes? One can almost picture her cringing in the corner as Trump deftly points out her missteps to thunderous applause.
The Al Smith Dinner is more than just a night of food and faux-compliments; it’s an essential facet of political culture. It has been a space where partisan barriers dissolve — at least temporarily — allowing both sides a chance to poke fun at one another. Yet, for Harris, this year seems to signal a strategic dodge to sidestep a roast that could potentially turn into political quicksand. The decision almost seems to suggest that the vice president, often seen as fumbling under pressure, prefers to remain hidden than risk being the punchline to Trump’s jokes.
Interestingly, the dinner has had its share of controversies, including moments when attendees were not all smiles and friendly jabs. It’s worth recalling that in 1996, Bill Clinton and Bob Dole were pointedly snubbed due to Clinton’s notorious veto against a late-term abortion ban. Fast forward to today, and one can’t help but think that Harris might prefer to take a rain check rather than risk a similar fate — especially with the notable Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has been vocal about criticism of Democrats, presiding over the evening’s festivities.
So, as Trump continues to prove that he can deliver one-liners that resonate with the audience, Harris’s choice to avoid an event she should ideally embrace raises eyebrows. While other candidates might relish the opportunity, the vice president clearly prefers the safety of not serving as Trump’s next comedic target. One can only wonder what hilarities might have unfolded had she decided to attend. Instead, it seems another chance for a bit of political theater might go unappreciated, further cementing the notion that perhaps not all engagements are worth attending when one’s reputation is on the line.
