Harris to Miss Historic Al Smith Charity Dinner, Will Campaign Instead

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen to skip the long-celebrated Al Smith dinner to focus on campaigning in a crucial battleground state.

Rather than attend the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, traditionally held in New York City, Harris plans to head to one of several key swing states, breaking a tradition that most presidential candidates have followed since 1960, as Fox News reports.

The dinner, named after the former New York governor and 1928 Democratic party presidential nominee, serves as a major fundraising event for Catholic Charities. It is renowned for its spirit of lighthearted jest, where candidates roast each other in a friendly manner.

Harris's Decision Marks Departure from Tradition

The tradition of presidential candidates attending this charitable event started when John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon participated in 1960. The dinner is hosted by the Archbishop of New York and has featured numerous presidential hopefuls over the decades.

Although the dinner did not send out invitations to presidential candidates during the 1996, 2000, and 2004 election cycles, the return of this tradition has seen continued participation from major candidates, highlighting its historical significance.

In the 2020 cycle, both the Republican and Democratic nominees, President Donald Trump and Joe Biden, attended the event, showcasing their ability to set aside political differences for charity.

Reactions to the Vice President's Decision

Joseph Zwilling, a spokesperson for the archdiocese, expressed disappointment over Harris's decision to skip the event. "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," Zwilling stated, hoping for reconsideration by the Vice President.

The last occurrence of a Democrat skipping the event while a Republican attended was in 1984 when Ronald Reagan spoke at the dinner without his opponent Walter Mondale. This year, the absence of Harris could draw similar attention, considering the historical significance of the event.

Meanwhile, previous attendees have often highlighted the importance of the event in fostering a sense of community and bipartisanship. "Throughout my life of public service, I’ve been guided by the tenets of Catholic social doctrine," Biden remarked during his attendance, aligning his public service with the charitable aims of the event.

The Importance of Al Smith Dinner in Political Traditions

The Al Smith dinner not only raises funds for charity but also plays a pivotal role in American politics by providing a platform for candidates to showcase their lighter sides and connect with voters on a human level.

"Catholics have enriched our nation beyond measure," said Trump at the 2020 dinner, highlighting the contributions of Catholics to American society and the essence of the Catholic faith.

While the dinner traditionally offers a respite from the usual harshness of campaign trails, its role in easing political tensions and fostering temporary alliances across party lines is unique.