Harris prioritizes battleground states over NYC gala; Trump criticizes her absence
Donald Trump has confirmed he will be the only speaker at the upcoming Al Smith charity dinner on October 17, following Vice President Kamala Harris’s decision to skip the event in favor of campaigning in key battleground states. This dinner, known for its light-hearted bipartisan spirit, has traditionally featured candidates from both parties since 1960.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed disappointment over Harris’s absence, stating it was “sad, but not surprising.” The Al Smith dinner, benefiting Catholic Charities, typically serves as a platform for political camaraderie, where candidates exchange playful jabs.
Harris’s campaign emphasized the need for her to concentrate on crucial swing states rather than attending the event in Democratic-heavy New York. A campaign official indicated that she would consider attending if she becomes president.
Trump’s comments included criticism of Harris’s relationship with Catholic voters, suggesting she has not been kind to the community. His remarks referenced past tensions stemming from Harris’s questioning of a federal judicial nominee about their membership in the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization.
The Al Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, named after the first Roman Catholic presidential nominee, raises significant funds for charity and showcases the potential for unity among political rivals. In recent years, however, the tone has shifted, with candidates using the platform to directly appeal to Catholic voters rather than maintaining the traditional lightheartedness.
The dinner’s history includes notable appearances by both Trump and Joe Biden in 2020, when the event transitioned online due to the pandemic, devoid of the customary humor.
