Kamala Harris forgoes Al Smith Dinner to Prioritise Campaigning in Battleground States

Vice President Kamala Harris will not attend this year's Al Smith charity dinner in New York. Instead, she will focus on campaigning in a key battleground state, less than three weeks before Election Day. Traditionally, this event has been a platform for presidential candidates from both parties to engage in light-hearted exchanges. However, Harris's team prioritises her presence in states crucial to the election outcome.

The Al Smith Dinner, benefiting Catholic Charities, is scheduled for October 17. It has been a longstanding tradition for presidential candidates since Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy appeared together in 1960. The event is named after Alfred E. Smith, a former New York governor and the first Roman Catholic nominated for president by a major party in 1928.

Focus on Battleground States

A campaign official, speaking anonymously, confirmed Harris's decision to skip the dinner. The official mentioned that Harris would consider attending the event as president if elected. The decision was initially reported by CNN. Her team believes her time is better spent in battleground states rather than heavily Democratic New York.

Donald Trump's campaign has not yet responded to inquiries about his attendance at the dinner. The white-tie gala is known for fostering collegiality among political rivals. However, it appears Harris's campaign strategy prioritises electoral gains over tradition this year.

Historical Context of the Al Smith Dinner

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner raises significant funds for Catholic charities. It symbolises unity among political adversaries, even if just for one evening. In 1996, the Archdiocese of New York chose not to invite President Bill Clinton and his opponent Bob Dole due to Clinton's veto of a late-term abortion ban.

In 2016, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton attended the dinner together. While there were humorous moments, some remarks led to discomfort and boos from the audience. Trump's comments about Clinton being corrupt were particularly controversial during the event.

Recent Participation and Criticism

In 2020, amid COVID-19 concerns, Trump and Joe Biden participated in the fundraiser virtually. Both candidates used their speeches to appeal to Catholic voters rather than engaging in humour due to the pandemic and economic challenges at that time.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan plays a significant role in organising the dinner and has been critical of Democrats. In 2018, he wrote an op-ed titled "The Democrats Abandon Catholics" for The Wall Street Journal, highlighting his discontent with the party's stance on certain issues.

The Al Smith Dinner continues to be an important event for raising funds and showcasing political civility. However, this year marks a deviation from tradition as Harris opts to focus on pivotal states that could determine the election outcome.