Staff Reports
The annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York has become a prime gathering for the political elite, with everyone from Hollywood stars to big-name politicians attending to raise funds for Catholic charities. With the presidential campaign ramping up, these types of events provide a significant opportunity for candidates to engage with voters, especially those in critical swing states. However, this year’s soirée featured a noteworthy absence that has many scratching their heads.
Vice President Kamala Harris could not be bothered to attend the gala. Instead, she opted for a cringe-worthy video featuring herself and comedian Molly Shannon, decked out in Shannon’s iconic Saturday Night Live character. While some may have chuckled at the attempt, the mockery of pulling off such a stunt during a serious charity event left many feeling more awkward than amused. This decision reflects a broader trend in the Harris campaign—an apparent reluctance to engage with key voter demographics where her party desperately needs support.
Tonight, Kamala Harris will become the SECOND EVER major party candidate to boycott the Al Smith dinner benefitting Catholic Charities.
Harris nor Biden will be there tonight. Their handlers can't be seen on TV.
Trump and Hillary even attended together. pic.twitter.com/4tFwpnQJU5
— The Constitutionalist 🇺🇸 (@WeWillBeFree24) October 17, 2024
In stark contrast, former President Donald Trump embraced the evening with open arms. He arrived in an atmosphere that could just as easily be described as enemy territory, yet he managed to bring the house down. Trump delivered a speech filled with humor and jabs at his political rivals, and notably, he quickly pointed out the awkwardness of Harris’s absence. His remarks were not only entertaining but also served to remind the audience of the unwelcome legacy of political candidates who avoid showing up at such pivotal events—after all, the last candidate to snub the Al Smith dinner was Walter Mondale, a decision that didn’t exactly catapult him into victory.
Unsurprisingly, laughter and cheers erupted in recognition of Trump’s ability to command the room, even among those who would generally not consider themselves supporters. Incredibly, he found himself not only tolerated but applauded, with even corporate Democrats like Chuck Schumer chuckling at his one-liners. The former president’s knack for turning even the most critical environments to his advantage highlights a fierce contrast to his opponent’s more timid approach to public engagements.
Moreover, the implications of Harris’s absence may not just be a matter of missed opportunities for a few laughs at a charity event. Key swing state voters could very well take notice of her avoidance, suggesting a lack of initiative or connection to their concerns. In election years, especially with a critical electorate like Catholic voters, showing face can translate into tangible political advantages. While Harris prioritized her podcast appearances, Trump proved that willing to engage—even when the crowd isn’t made up of his biggest fans—can yield significant dividends.
The Al Smith dinner produced not only a showcase of political levity but also a clear depiction of contrasting strategies between Harris and Trump. One prioritizes avoidance and distance, while the other relishes direct engagement, thriving in the thick of it—even at the risk of discomfort. As the election cycle heats up, this dinner serves as a reminder of the critical necessity for candidates to actively participate in critical cultural moments rather than take the coward’s way out with poorly orchestrated video appearances.
