Vice President Kamala Harris is set to break a 60-year presidential tradition by skipping this year’s Al Smith Dinner, becoming only the second presidential hopeful to do so since Walter Mondale in 1984. Former President Donald Trump, however, has confirmed his attendance at the October 17 event, which raises funds for Catholic Charities. According to Harris’ campaign, she will instead focus on campaigning in key battleground states as Election Day approaches.
In what may stir some controversy, Harris, the Democratic nominee who entered the race mid-term after President Biden stepped down following a debate mishap with Trump, will forgo the prestigious charity dinner in New York. The Al Smith Dinner, a staple of presidential election cycles since 1960, is known for fostering “collegiality and healthy humor” by bringing together candidates from both parties for a night of lighthearted banter.
Joseph Zwilling, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese, expressed disappointment over Harris’ absence, saying, “We are disappointed that she will not be with us. This evening is about unity and setting aside political differences to help women and children in need, regardless of race, creed, or background.” Zwilling also encouraged the Harris campaign to reconsider their decision.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s campaign has confirmed his presence at the white-tie gala. Trump previously attended the dinner in 2016, where he faced boos after accusing Democratic rival Hillary Clinton of corruption and alleging she harbored anti-Catholic sentiments. Despite the controversial remarks, Trump’s team has confirmed he will attend this year’s 79th Al Smith Dinner.
The dinner, named after Alfred E. Smith, the first Roman Catholic major party presidential nominee in 1928, serves as a significant fundraiser for Catholic Charities. In some instances, the dinner has excluded candidates, such as in 1996 when Bill Clinton and Bob Dole were disinvited due to Clinton’s veto of a late-term abortion ban.
While Harris has opted out of this year’s event, her campaign has indicated that, if elected, she hopes to attend similar events as president in the future. Trump and President Biden, unable to attend the dinner in person in 2020 due to COVID-19, delivered pre-recorded messages at the first-ever virtual Al Smith Dinner, where the tone shifted from humor to an attempt to win over Catholic voters.
Harris has also accepted CNN’s offer for a debate with Trump on October 23, but Trump has downplayed the possibility, stating it is “too late” for another presidential debate.
