Vice President Kamala Harris’s decision to skip the annual Al Smith Dinner, a long-standing tradition of presidential candidates gathering for a lighthearted fundraiser in New York City, has drawn criticism and speculation. The event, hosted by the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, raises funds for the city’s most vulnerable populations and is known for its jovial atmosphere, where candidates engage in light-hearted jabs at each other.
The tradition dates back to 1946 when Cardinal Francis Spellman inaugurated the dinner in honor of Al Smith, the first Catholic nominated for President by a major party. Since then, it has become a hallmark of the presidential campaign season, with both major party nominees attending almost every year. The only exception was Walter Mondale, who skipped the 1984 dinner – a decision that some believe contributed to his landslide defeat against Ronald Reagan.
Harris’s decision not to attend has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a missed opportunity to demonstrate her ability to handle the pressures of a national campaign. The event, known for its high-profile attendees and media coverage, could have provided her with a valuable platform to showcase her sense of humor and connect with a diverse audience.
However, others believe that Harris’s decision was strategically calculated. They point to her perceived lack of comfort with humor, her controversial stance on abortion, and the potentially awkward situation of being seated next to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. These factors, combined with the ever-present pressure to avoid missteps in a highly scrutinized campaign, might have led Harris to decline the invitation.
Cardinal Dolan himself expressed disappointment over Harris’s absence, noting that it was unprecedented in recent history. He even hinted at the potential political implications, referencing Mondale’s 1984 decision to skip the dinner and his subsequent landslide defeat.
Ultimately, the reasons behind Harris’s decision remain subject to interpretation. Whether it reflects a strategic calculation or a genuine scheduling conflict, her absence from the Al Smith Dinner is sure to fuel further discussion about her political strategy and her ability to navigate the complexities of American politics.
