Kamala Harris Will Miss Al Smith Dinner Tradition

Smiling woman in black coat waves among people.

Vice President Kamala Harris will not grace the historic 79th Al Smith Dinner, raising eyebrows and questions about her campaign strategy.

At a Glance

  • Vice President Kamala Harris will not attend the historic Al Smith dinner, breaking a long-standing campaign tradition.
  • Harris plans to campaign in an unspecified battleground state instead.
  • The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner benefits Catholic Charities and is hosted by the archbishop of New York.
  • This year’s event, on Oct. 17, will be the 79th.
  • The tradition started with John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960.

Harris Skips Historic Al Smith Dinner

This year, Vice President Kamala Harris will not attend the 79th Al Smith Dinner, a historic event that serves as an annual fundraiser for Catholic Charities. Her decision to skip the dinner marks a significant deviation from a long-standing campaign tradition where presidential candidates make an appearance. Harris’s campaign team cited her jam-packed schedule in key battleground states as the reason for her absence. This decision has led to considerable dialogue about the implications of skipping such a notable event.

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner is a cornerstone of American political culture. Hosted annually by the archbishop of New York, the event benefits Catholic Charities. It brings together political foes who often engage in light-hearted, humorous jabs at each other. Since its inception in 1960, when John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon attended, the dinner has become a symbol of unity and charity. This year, the event will be held on October 17, making Harris’s absence even more conspicuous.

Implications of Missing the Event

Harris’s decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner and instead campaign in an unspecified battleground state has raised questions about her campaign strategy. Her absence breaks a tradition that many see as a key moment for presidential candidates to show their lighter side. The last time a Democratic candidate skipped the event while the Republican nominee attended was in 1984. Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend this year’s dinner, further highlighting Harris’s notable absence.

“We are disappointed that she will not be with us, as this is an evening of unity and putting aside political differences in support of a good cause of helping women and children in need regardless of race, creed, or background,” Archdiocese spokesperson Joseph Zwilling told The New York Post. “We hope she reconsiders.”

Despite the break in tradition, Harris’s team has indicated that she would be willing to attend the dinner as President if elected. The Archdiocese expressed disappointment but kept the door open for her future participation. In previous years, the dinner has been a platform for candidates to engage in humorous banter, an opportunity now missed by Harris.

Looking Ahead

Harris’s absence from the Al Smith Dinner may signify broader campaign strategies and her focus on battleground states. While the event raises millions of dollars annually and fosters unity across the political spectrum, Harris’s decision to prioritize campaign events suggests a different approach. The impact of this decision remains to be seen, especially given the tradition and significance of the dinner in American political culture.

“Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who plays a prominent role in the dinner, has been highly critical of Democrats, writing a 2018 Wall Street Journal op-ed that carried the headline, ‘The Democrats Abandon Catholics.'”

As October 17 approaches, much focus will be on how Harris’s absence affects her campaign and public perception. Will this strategic move pay off in gaining crucial battleground support, or will it be seen as a missed opportunity for unity and good-natured political discourse? Only time will tell.

Sources

1. Kamala Harris to skip Al Smith dinner, a traditional event for major presidential candidates

2. Kamala Harris plans to skip historic Al Smith dinner despite long-standing tradition

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