The annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York is a major event, with dignitaries from the entertainment, politics, and business world all showing up to raise money for Catholic charities. During election years, it’s a big event for presidential candidates to be seen at a notable charity event.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan, who was the opening act of the night, pointed out that Catholics make up a large number of voters in key swing states. He then jokingly followed up that observation by asking where Vice President Kamala Harris was, referencing her seeming inability to visit swing states and their voters.
Gaffigan also noted that she has been busy in other ways – by doing TV and podcast appearances.
Kamala gets roasted for being the first presidential nominee since 1984 to skip the Al Smith charity dinner:
“She did find time to appear on The View, Howard Stern, Colbert — and the longtime staple of campaigning, the Call Her Daddy podcast…” pic.twitter.com/gVBxTcv6ou
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
But Harris snubbed the event, instead sending a cringe-worthy video in her place, co-starring Molly Shannon has her Saturday Night Live character Mary Katherine Gallagher. While it got a few laughs, they felt forced, and did not seem to match the mood of the room.
Donald Trump, however, was there – and arguably in enemy territory.
“It’s a true pleasure to be with you this evening,” Trump said during his speech at the event. “Amazing pleasure. And these days, it’s really a pleasure anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance.”
Trump told jokes and took jabs at his opponent for not showing up, pointing out that the last presidential candidate to not appear at the Al Smith dinner was Walter Mondale, which “didn’t end well” for him, Trump pointed out.
Trump has me literally laughing out loud right now.
Trump just said he’s happy to be in New York without being under subpoena. Keep in mind Letitia James is there too.
Al Smith Dinner pic.twitter.com/vXOXd4wWhy— motivate 4 life 🇺🇲 (@imotivate4life) October 18, 2024
While it’s not a typical stump speech, it did provide a contrast between him and Harris. He showed up in New York, in a room filled with people who don’t like him, and got a standing ovation. She could not be bothered to give a speech at a dinner among a room full of friends.
For me, it’ll be the image of Chuck Schumer, right behind Trump and laughing at his jokes, that will stick with me.
