Comedian Jim Gaffigan made surprising jabs at Vice President Kamala Harris for skipping the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, opting instead to send a pre-recorded video message for the bipartisan Catholic charity event. Gaffigan, as the emcee of the event, questioned Harris’ absence, joking about her appearances on popular TV shows but not at the dinner. He also humorously referenced the Democratic Party’s supposed “coup” against President Biden, leading to Harris taking the presidency. This drew mixed reactions from the audience, with some jeering at the remarks. Harris’ decision not to physically attend the event, unlike previous nominees, caused some controversy and disappointment among attendees.
New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan expressed his disappointment at Harris’ absence from the historic Catholic charity event, noting that the dinner is meant to promote civility, patriotism, and humor, rather than serve as a campaign stop. Harris’ team explained that she would be focusing on campaigning in the battleground state of Wisconsin instead of attending the dinner, with the hopes of attending in the future as President. The decision to send a pre-recorded message, featuring comedian and actress Molly Shannon, instead of attending in person further stirred speculation and debate about Harris’ priorities and engagement with various audiences.
The Al Smith dinner, established in 1946, has raised millions of dollars for charities supporting women and children, becoming a significant political and cultural event during election seasons. Named after the first Catholic presidential candidate, Al Smith, the event has traditionally brought together politicians of various affiliations for a lighthearted evening focused on bipartisan unity and charity. Harris’ absence from the event marked a departure from past tradition, leading to criticism from some attendees and pundits who viewed her decision as a missed opportunity to engage with a key audience demographic.
Despite Harris not physically attending the dinner, she recorded a video message that was aired during the event, featuring a playful exchange with Molly Shannon in character as a Catholic student. The video included subtle jabs at former President Trump, showcasing Harris’ humor and ability to connect with audiences in a light-hearted manner. The decision to include Shannon in the video added an element of entertainment to the event, maintaining some of the festive spirit that the dinner is known for. Overall, Harris sought to balance her campaign priorities with acknowledging the significance of the event and its historical importance within the political landscape.
The controversy surrounding Harris’ absence from the Al Smith dinner highlighted the delicate balance that politicians must strike between campaign commitments and traditional events that hold cultural and historical significance. While some criticized Harris for missing out on an opportunity to engage with the Catholic community and showcase her bipartisan appeal, others defended her focus on campaigning in key battleground states. As the 2024 election cycle begins to take shape, events like the Al Smith dinner serve as important markers of candidates’ engagement with diverse audiences and their ability to navigate the complex political landscape. Harris’ decision sparked debate and reflection on the evolving nature of political campaigning and the role of traditional events in shaping public perceptions of candidates.
