Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 14, 2024 7:41 am GMT
In a politically charged environment, traditions often hold significant weight. This year, however, one of these cherished traditions may be shattered as Vice President Kamala Harris has decided to skip the historic Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a highly anticipated charity event that has seen years of bipartisan camaraderie. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, expressed his disappointment over Harris’s absence, marking a break in a nearly 40-year tradition of attending for presidential candidates.
A Longstanding Tradition
The Al Smith Dinner, named after the former New York governor, has become a hallmark of presidential election years since its inception in 1960. Traditionally, both Democratic and Republican nominees gather to share humorous jabs and lighthearted roast each other while raising funds for Catholic Charities. This year, the event is scheduled for October 17 in New York City.
Dolan noted the significance of the gathering, saying, “We were looking forward to giving the vice president an enthusiastic welcome. She speaks very much about high ideals and how it’s good to come together in unity—that’s what the Al Smith dinner is all about.”
Despite this, Harris informed event organizers that she would be focusing on her campaign instead. Her campaign plans indicate she will be in a battleground state during the dinner, though specifics have not been disclosed.
Historical Context
The skipping of the dinner by a presidential nominee is a rare occurrence. The last instance happened in 1984 when then-Democratic candidate Walter Mondale declined the invitation, a choice that many remember as a factor in his significant electoral loss, winning only one state against Ronald Reagan. Dolan quipped, “We don’t know how to handle it… it hasn’t happened in 40 years.”
The dinner aims to bridge political divides and foster goodwill among American leaders, offering a moment of levity amid the often-serious political landscape.
Reactions to Harris’s Decision
Responses from the political community have ranged from disappointment to frustration. Former President Donald Trump took to social media to criticize Harris’s decision, labeling it as “sad but not surprising.” Trump emphasized the dinner’s importance as a platform for candidates to show they can engage in self-deprecating humor, which helps to connect with voters.
In contrast, Dolan remains hopeful that Harris will change her mind. He mentioned that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Governor Kathy Hochul were working hard to persuade her to attend. Despite the challenges, he stated, “We’re not giving up. We hope she’s here.”
Anita Vogel, a Fox News correspondent, also echoed Dolan’s sentiments, calling Harris’s absence a “real shame” given the unique opportunity the dinner presents for political leaders to come together for a common charitable cause.
A Shift in the Political Landscape
The decision of a high-profile politician like Harris to skip this event raises questions about the current political climate. Historically, events like the Al Smith Dinner have served to humanize candidates, allowing them to share laughs while still addressing serious issues.
In a statement reflecting on the dinner’s past, Dolan remarked, “This dinner is about coming together and reminding ourselves that we can be civil, humorous, and supportive of one another, despite our political differences.” The absence of a candidate like Harris during such a critical time in the election could signify a shift toward a more polarized environment, where traditional norms of political engagement are thrust aside.
The Road Ahead
As the October 17 date approaches, all eyes will be on the dinner, especially with Trump confirmed to attend. The event will offer a platform for him to deliver not only his characteristic humor but also insights into his campaign and vision ahead of the upcoming elections.
While Harris will be focusing on connecting with voters in key battleground areas, many will be left to speculate about the ramifications of her decision not to participate. Political analysts will likely scrutinize her absence, especially considering the historical weight of the event.
For those who remember the intensity of prior dinners where candidates humorously jabbed at each other, the upcoming event may feel incomplete without both nominees present.
The Al Smith Dinner shows how important it is for people to come together and be kind, no matter what their political beliefs are. During this event, we can see how things are going in politics right now and how the candidates are trying to win the top job in the country.
