Trump at Al Smith Dinner; Harris Engages Voters via Pre-Recorded Video. At the annual Al Smith charity dinner, former President Donald Trump took the stage, evoking memories of his contentious 2016 appearance where he faced jeers while targeting Hillary Clinton. This year, Trump aimed to connect with attendees in a more congenial atmosphere, as the event is known for its light-hearted banter among political rivals.
In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris opted for a virtual presence, delivering a brief address via a pre-recorded video. Her decision to skip the in-person event was strategic, as she remained focused on campaigning in key battleground states where the presidential race is extremely competitive.
The white tie dinner, held in New York, serves a dual purpose: it raises significant funds for Catholic charities and provides a platform for candidates from both parties to showcase a spirit of camaraderie, even as the election season reaches its climax. This year’s gathering highlighted the differing approaches of the candidates as they navigate a tight race.
Trump attended
The Al Smith charity dinner often marks the final opportunity for presidential nominees to share a stage before Election Day, and this year was no exception. Former President Donald Trump attended alongside his wife, Melania, who has been a rare presence on the campaign trail. This event marked their first public appearance together since the Republican convention in July.
New York Mayor Eric Adams was also in attendance, despite his recent legal troubles involving allegations of accepting illegal campaign contributions and extravagant trips funded by Turkish officials and businesspeople. His presence, along with former mayors and prominent business leaders, added a layer of local political context to the evening.
Among other notable guests were New York Governor Kathy Hochul, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Attorney General Letitia James, who has pursued a successful civil fraud case against Trump.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received a warm welcome as he arrived with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. After dropping his independent presidential bid over the summer, Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump made headlines, reflecting the shifting alliances within the political landscape. The gathering underscored the blend of tradition and tension that characterizes the event, bringing together influential figures from both sides of the political spectrum.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan hosted the sold-out Al Smith dinner, where tickets cost $5,000 each to support Catholic charities in New York.
In his speech, Trump admitted he had gone “overboard” with his attacks on Hillary Clinton in 2016 and then criticized Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff for a recently admitted extramarital affair from his first marriage.
Trump advised the potential future First Lady not to let her husband Doug near the nannies, calling it “a nasty one.” He also joked about Mayor Adams’ alleged campaign finance crimes, saying he had never met a vegan who liked turkey so much. Trump humorously referenced assassination attempts against him, questioning the logic of self-criticism when others have targeted him.
In a video shared by Harris’ campaign, she appeared with comedian Molly Shannon, who portrayed her famous Catholic schoolgirl character from “Saturday Night Live.” Harris asked Shannon if there was anything she shouldn’t mention, to which Shannon replied, “Well, don’t lie.” Harris added, “Indeed, especially thy neighbor’s election results.”
Shannon suggested Harris avoid saying anything negative about Catholics, and Harris agreed, comparing it to criticizing Detroit in Detroit after Trump’s recent comments there.
Gaffigan joked about both parties, referencing Trump’s past remarks about migrants and then questioning why Harris wasn’t there, noting it was an easy opportunity for the Democratic nominee.
The Harris campaign had decided she should focus on battleground states rather than attend the dinner in New York. Trump criticized her absence, claiming she was anti-Catholic and suggesting that any Catholic voting for her needed to rethink their choice.
This tone reminded many of Trump’s 2016 appearance, where he received boos for his harsh comments about Hillary Clinton, calling her “corrupt” and accusing her of hating Catholics.
Trump’s 2016 speech at the Al Smith dinner started with light jokes, including a jab at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and he humorously claimed to be “a modest person.” He made a notable comment about the media’s bias against Melania compared to Michelle Obama, referencing her plagiarized convention speech.
However, his tone quickly shifted as he criticized Clinton’s use of a private email server and praised WikiLeaks, saying she pretended not to hate Catholics. Clinton responded with humor, joking that Trump sees the Statue of Liberty as a low score.
Trump’s humor, often seen as a key part of his appeal, contrasts with moments where he has been serious about his appearance. During the pandemic, both he and Biden spoke at a virtual version of the dinner, focusing on appealing to Catholic voters.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan reminded both candidates about Al Smith’s legacy as a “happy warrior.” The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, named after the first Catholic presidential nominee in 1928, has been a tradition for candidates since 1960, though the Archdiocese of New York once skipped inviting Clinton and Dole due to political reasons.
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