On 10/17/24 Donald Trump appeared at the Al Smith charity dinner in New York City making jokes about his legal troubles and opponents. The event‚ a bipartisan tradition benefiting Catholic charities thats been going on for almost 80 years‚ attracts the citys elite
“Its really a pleasure (to be) anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance‚“ Trump quipped to the gathering at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. He also poked fun at New York Mayor Eric Adams legal issues saying‚ “Good luck with everything“
Kamala Harris vice president and Democratic presidential candidate‚ was notably absent from the event – the first major party candidate to skip since Walter Mondale in 1984. Instead she campaigned in Wisconsin a crucial battleground state. Harris addressed the crowd via pre-recorded video‚ stating: “In the spirit of tonights dinner let us recommit to reaching across divides to seek understanding and common ground“
Trump didnʼt hold back in his criticism of Harris joking that her absence “shows you there is a God“ – referencing Mondales defeat by Ronald Reagan in 84. He also made a controversial joke about the 2020 racial justice protests which drew boos from some audience members
Melania Trump made a rare appearance alongside her husband: their first joint political event since July. Other notable attendees included Robert F Kennedy Jr (former independent presidential candidate who recently endorsed Trump) and Letitia James (New York attorney general who brought a massive civil fraud case against Trumps companies)
The dinner serves as a way to reach Catholic voters an important swing constituency nationally. A recent poll by the National Catholic Reporter shows Trump leading Harris among Catholic voters in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania by 5 percentage points
Despite Trumps ongoing legal challenges including federal and state charges related to the 2020 election the race remains close. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates Harris leading 45% to 42% nationally
In the spirit of tonightʼs dinner‚ let us recommit to reaching across divides‚ to seek understanding and common ground
Trump‚ who has been spending an unusual amount of time in heavily Democratic New York is scheduled to hold another event at Madison Square Garden later this month. While New York isnt considered a battleground state for the 2024 election Trumps focus on the area raises questions about his campaign strategy