Vice President Kamala Harris has decided to forgo the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York, opting instead to focus her efforts on campaigning in crucial battleground states as the 2024 election approaches. This decision marks a departure from a long-standing presidential tradition, prioritizing electoral strategy over the bipartisan event.
The Al Smith dinner, scheduled for October 17, 2024, has been a fixture in presidential campaigns since 1960 when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy appeared together. Named after Alfred Emanuel Smith, the first Catholic nominee for President of the United States, the event has been an annual occurrence since 1945. It typically raises several million dollars for Catholic charities and is known for its white-tie dress code and lighthearted atmosphere.
A campaign official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Harris' team aims to maximize her time in states that could determine the election outcome. The Vice President's absence from the dinner, held less than three weeks before Election Day on November 5, 2024, underscores the campaign's strategic focus on key battlegrounds rather than the traditionally Democratic New York.
The dinner has not been without controversy in recent years. Donald Trump's 2016 appearance drew criticism when his remarks veered from humor to pointed attacks on his opponent, Hillary Clinton. This incident highlighted the delicate balance candidates must strike between jest and decorum at the event.
"Trump's remarks soon devolved into bitterness and insults."
The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner has a rich history of promoting collegiality among political rivals. It has been attended by every sitting president since Dwight D. Eisenhower and was first televised in 2000. The event is typically held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City on the third Thursday in October.
In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the dinner adapted to a virtual format, featuring online speeches from Joe Biden and Donald Trump. This marked the first time the event was held remotely in its history, demonstrating its ability to evolve with the times.
The dinner's organizers have faced challenges in maintaining its bipartisan spirit. In 1996, the Archdiocese of New York chose not to invite then-President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger, Bob Dole, reportedly due to Clinton's veto of a late-term abortion ban.
While Harris' decision to skip the dinner breaks with tradition, her team has indicated her willingness to attend as president if elected. This approach reflects the campaign's prioritization of direct voter engagement in competitive states over symbolic appearances.
As the 2024 election draws near, the political landscape continues to evolve, with candidates and their teams making strategic decisions that sometimes challenge long-standing customs. The Al Smith dinner, despite these changes, remains a significant event in the American political calendar, continuing its mission of raising funds for Catholic charities while providing a unique platform for political discourse.