(ZENIT News / New York, 10.18.2024).- At the 79th annual Al Smith Dinner on October 17, former President Donald Trump seized the spotlight, delivering a speech filled with jabs, jokes, and pointed critiques. Among his most striking remarks was his sharp criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris, who declined to attend the high-profile event, making her absence one of the key talking points of the night.
Addressing a room filled with political leaders, journalists, and business executives, Trump called Harris’ decision not to participate «deeply disrespectful.» He suggested that her no-show undermined a long-standing tradition of bipartisan attendance and, more pointedly, disrespected the Catholic community. «This is a rule—both Democrats and Republicans show up to this dinner, always,» Trump said. “But my opponent doesn’t feel she needs to be here, which is a profound lack of respect to the event, and especially to our great Catholic community.”
Harris, the first vice presidential candidate in decades to turn down an invitation to the dinner, opted to continue campaigning in battleground states instead. Her absence, however, was not overlooked. Trump, in a lighthearted but cutting tone, repeatedly referenced it throughout his speech, using it as a way to draw Catholics to his side ahead of the 2024 election. “Catholics, you have to vote for me. I’m here, she’s not,” Trump quipped, reinforcing his presence as a contrast to Harris’ absence.
Harris’ Video Message: Humor and Unity
Although she was physically absent, Harris did make a virtual appearance with a pre-recorded video. In her message, she opened with a playful nod to the 1999 comedy film *Superstar* before shifting to a more serious tone. Harris praised the Church’s charitable work, highlighting its role in providing care for the poor, educating children, and offering hope during difficult times. “In the spirit of tonight’s dinner, let us recommit ourselves to bridging divisions, seeking common ground, and building a better future together,” she said.
While she avoided directly mentioning Trump by name, Harris alluded to the nation’s current political climate, urging attendees to push beyond partisanship and work towards unity. The contrast between Harris’ message of hope and Trump’s more combative tone added an intriguing dynamic to the evening.
A Night of Jokes, Tensions, and Catholic Causes
The Al Smith Dinner, a staple of New York’s social and political calendar, is traditionally a lighthearted event where political rivals set aside their differences for a night of humor and charity. The dinner, organized by the Archdiocese of New York, raises millions of dollars for Catholic Charities and celebrates the legacy of Alfred E. Smith, the first Catholic presidential nominee.
This year, however, the event’s atmosphere was tinged with political tension. Trump, a seasoned attendee of the dinner, didn’t hold back in delivering his usual mix of humor and barbs. At one point, he joked about Harris’ signature laugh and even poked fun at Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, referencing her use of a Dorito to mock communion during a recent appearance.
The dinner’s emcee, comedian Jim Gaffigan, also chimed in, making jokes about Harris’ absence. “This is a room full of Catholics and Jews in New York City. It’s a layup for the Democratic candidate!” Gaffigan joked, questioning why Harris chose to skip the event. He also poked fun at Trump, referencing the former president’s past controversial remarks, but maintained the evening’s jovial tone.
Faith, Politics, and a Serious Message
Despite the humor, Trump ended his speech on a more serious note. Reflecting on the challenges facing both New York and the country, he spoke about the importance of faith and unity. In a surprising turn, Trump shared his belief that divine intervention had played a role in his survival after recent assassination attempts, emphasizing the need to work together for the good of the nation.
“Cardinal, I have a newfound appreciation for how blessed we are by God’s presence and His divine mercy,” Trump said. “With God’s help, I know there’s nothing we can’t achieve. We can come together, we can accomplish great things.”
The evening’s host, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, offered prayers and blessings throughout the event, reminding attendees of the dinner’s deeper purpose—to raise funds for those in need. By the end of the night, the dinner had nearly reached its $10 million goal, making it one of the most successful Catholic fundraising events in the country.
Looking Ahead: A Divided Path to the Election
As Trump made his pitch for the Catholic vote and Harris urged unity, the event underscored the deep political and cultural divides heading into the 2024 election. While both candidates have sought to align themselves with values important to Catholic voters, the contrasting approaches on display at the Al Smith Dinner reveal just how differently the two envision the path forward for the country.
In the final stretch of the campaign, Trump’s message is clear: he is here, fighting for the Catholic community, while his opponent is not. Harris, meanwhile, is positioning herself as a voice of reason and reconciliation, focusing on bridging divides. Both are vying for the same prize, but their strategies are worlds apart. Only time will tell which message resonates more with voters, particularly those in key religious demographics.
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