Harris to Miss Al Smith Dinner, a Tradition in Presidential Campaigns

Vice President Kamala Harris will not attend this year’s Al Smith charity dinner in New York, a deviation from presidential tradition as she focuses on campaigning in a key battleground state. The decision underlines her commitment to maximizing her time in these critical areas leading up to Election Day.

The Al Smith dinner, which benefits Catholic Charities, has long been an occasion for political candidates from both parties to engage in light-hearted banter. Traditionally, attendees share the stage, trading good-natured jibes and attempting to portray a sense of camaraderie.

A campaign official confirmed to CBS News that Harris’s absence is a strategic choice aimed at enhancing her presence in battleground states during a pivotal election period. The official noted that Harris would be keen to participate in future charity dinners if she is elected as president.

This news was initially reported by CNN, generating discussions about the changing dynamics of political events. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s campaign has yet to indicate whether he will join the dinner this year. During his attendance in 2016, Trump faced significant backlash when his remarks about then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton were perceived as crossing a line.

This year’s dinner is set to take place on October 17, providing a historically significant backdrop to earlier heated political debates. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a prominent figure associated with the dinner, has publicly criticized the Democratic Party, notably in a 2018 op-ed where he claimed, “The Democrats Abandon Catholics.”

Named after former New York Governor Al Smith, who made history as the first Roman Catholic nominated by a major party for the presidency in 1928, the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner has raised millions for Catholic charities over the years. It represents a critical intersection where political leaders can momentarily demonstrate unity, even if just for show.

The dinner has become a staple for presidential candidates since the appearance of Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960. However, past political events have shown that participation is not guaranteed. For instance, in 1996, the Archdiocese of New York opted not to invite then-President Bill Clinton and Republican nominee Bob Dole due to Clinton’s veto of a late-term abortion ban.

In recent years, the dinner’s atmosphere has shifted, especially when Trump and Joe Biden—the latter also a practicing Catholic—participated in 2020. That event was moved online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading both candidates to forego humor and rather engage directly with Catholic voters during their speeches.

Trump’s initial speech in 2016 began on a light note, poking fun at then-Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and teasing the Clintons about allegations of plagiarism. However, the tone quickly soured, as Trump’s remarks turned increasingly combative.

Harris’s choice to forego this traditional event reflects a broader strategy in modern campaigning, where candidates are prioritizing direct engagement with voters in key regions over customary political gatherings. The significance of this decision emphasizes the intensity of the upcoming election and the efforts being made to connect with constituents at a grassroots level.

The Al Smith dinner continues to symbolize a longstanding political tradition but also serves as a reminder of how evolving campaign strategies are shaping the political landscape in America.

Source: CBS News