Trump takes aim at Democrats at Catholic charity event

The Al Smith Dinner on 10/17/24 saw Donald Trump deliver a speech that didnt hold back on Democrats. He poked fun at Vice President Kamala Harris mispronouncing her name and questioning her smarts. Trump also took shots at her husband Doug Emhoff bringing up past relationship issues

Trump didnt stop there he went after Minnesota Gov Tim Walz and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer making comments about their manhood. He even brought up former president Barack Obamaʼs middle name Hussein as he often does at rallies. The only person Trump didnt joke about was himself saying “Ive got nothing Theres nothing to say“

Harris wasnt at the dinner but sent a video with comedian Molly Shannon. The clip had some subtle digs at Trump including a reference to his claims about the 2020 election. Shannon told Harris “Dont lie“ to which Harris replied “especially thy neighbors election results“

Trump accused Harris of disrespecting Catholics by not showing up. He pointed out that the last time a Republican nominee went to the dinner alone was in 1984 when Ronald Reagan went on to win big

Tradition holds that Iʼm supposed to tell a few self-deprecating jokes this evening So here it goes … Nope. Iʼve got nothing

The dinner had a mix of reactions with both applause and boos. Trump estimated the room was split evenly for and against him. One person even corrected his pronunciation of Harrisʼs name out loud

Trump found common ground with New Yorkʼs mayor Eric Adams suggesting they were both victims of criticizing the Biden administration. Adams was charged with bribery and campaign finance issues in September 2024 while Trump faces his own legal troubles

The Al Smith Dinner started in 1946 and is named after the first Catholic to win a major partys nomination for president. Its usually a chance for candidates to make jokes and show a lighter side but this year it seemed to highlight the political divide