The Al Smith charity dinner—what a time-honored tradition of rubbing elbows with the elites, raising money for a good cause, and, in election years, watching presidential candidates try to prove they have a sense of humor. This year was no different, except, well, Vice President Kamala Harris was noticeably absent.
The night kicked off with comedian Jim Gaffigan, who clearly didn’t shy away from pointing out the obvious: Catholics are a key voting bloc in swing states. Gaffigan then took a playful jab, wondering aloud where Kamala Harris was—because, apparently, swing states and their voters aren’t high on her to-do list. That’s right, the VP who has all the time in the world for TV shows and podcasts can’t seem to make it to a major charity event in New York. Swing state voters, take note.
Kamala gets roasted for being the first presidential nominee since 1984 to skip the Al Smith charity dinner:
“She did find time to appear on The View, Howard Stern, Colbert — and the longtime staple of campaigning, the Call Her Daddy podcast…” pic.twitter.com/gVBxTcv6ou
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
Instead of gracing the stage herself, Harris sent a video. And not just any video, but one co-starring Molly Shannon in her Saturday Night Live character, Mary Katherine Gallagher. Sure, it got a few laughs—probably the polite, “I guess I should chuckle” type—but honestly, it felt like Harris was trying too hard. It was out of place, to say the least. This isn’t SNL, it’s a charitable dinner with major political implications, and Harris phoned it in, literally.
🚨🚨Kamala Harris releases her prerecorded video for the Al Smith dinner in New York that she didn’t show up for.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan made fun of the Vice President after the crowd gave a dismal applause once it ended.
Cringe. pic.twitter.com/2im59f3mfj
— SYMBOL OF HOPE🫡 (@Chipropro) October 18, 2024
But Donald Trump? He was there, in person, suit and all, and let’s be real—he was standing in enemy territory. New York elites don’t exactly send Trump Valentine’s Day cards. Still, the man knows how to command a room, even one that’s not exactly his base. And what did he do? He charmed the crowd with jokes, taking a jab at Harris for being a no-show. Trump pointed out that the last presidential candidate to skip the Al Smith dinner was Walter Mondale. Spoiler: Mondale didn’t exactly have a happy ending in that election, and Trump was quick to remind everyone of that.
Trump has me literally laughing out loud right now.
Trump just said he’s happy to be in New York without being under subpoena. Keep in mind Letitia James is there too.
Al Smith Dinner pic.twitter.com/vXOXd4wWhy— motivate 4 life 🇺🇲 (@imotivate4life) October 18, 2024
But beyond the laughs, the night was telling. Trump showed up, faced a crowd that likely wasn’t eager to cheer him on, and he still managed to snag a standing ovation. Meanwhile, Harris couldn’t be bothered to appear in a room full of her ideological friends and allies. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: Trump showed up and owned the night, while Harris hid behind a cringeworthy comedy skit that landed flat.
Trump having a friendly conversation with Chuck Schumer at the Al Smith dinner. This is the guy they say is going to start rounding up his enemies on day one?
Kamala could/would never chat it up with Ted Cruz or Jim Jordan like this.
Want the nation to heal? Elect Trump. pic.twitter.com/oUxvbKKBnl
— Free (@KaladinFree) October 19, 2024
It might not have been a campaign rally, but Trump certainly made the most of the moment, showing that even when he’s not on home turf, he’s still in the game. As for Harris, well, maybe next time, she’ll reconsider sending a stand-in comedy act to do her job.
