Kamala Skips Al Smith Charity Dinner Sends Video in Her Place

Vice President Kamala Harris has stirred controversy by opting out of the prestigious Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a charitable event traditionally attended by presidential candidates. Instead of appearing in person at the white-tie event in New York City, Harris submitted a pre-recorded video message, despite repeated attempts by Cardinal Timothy Dolan to persuade her to attend.

The dinner, which is known for its lighthearted jabs and self-deprecating humor, has long served as a symbol of bipartisan civility. Harris’ absence breaks a long-standing tradition, making her the first presidential candidate since Walter Mondale to skip the event in decades. Cardinal Dolan, visibly disappointed, expressed his frustration: “This year will be imbalanced because, sadly, Kamala Harris isn’t coming. It’s a shame... the nature of the evening is civility, patriotism, humor.”

Key points from the controversy:

• Cardinal Dolan highlighted the importance of the dinner in “turning the page on bitterness,” emphasizing that the event brings people together in a spirit of good-natured teasing, not campaign rhetoric.

• Traditionally, the dinner has attracted a diverse crowd, reflective of New York’s demographic mix, and is not a partisan gathering.

• Trump's immediate reaction on Truth Social was sharp, calling Harris “Lyin’ Kamala” and accusing her of disrespecting the event. He suggested she should "lose the Catholic vote" for failing to attend.

Harris' decision to skip the event has drawn sharp criticism not only from Trump but from others who see her absence as a missed opportunity to engage with a key demographic and demonstrate goodwill across party lines. The event, which mixes charity with humor, is viewed as a rare moment of unity in an increasingly divided political landscape.

While Harris sent a video message, her absence from the room left many wondering about the message it sends as she campaigns for the presidency. Trump, who attended the dinner in person, pointed out that when he was a candidate, no option for a video message was provided and he wouldn’t have taken it even if it had been.

With Harris’ decision now making waves, it’s clear her absence has done more than simply skip a dinner it has struck a nerve with those seeking to maintain some semblance of tradition in an era of increasing political division.

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