Well, what do we have here? Kamala Harris snubbing the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner—an event that’s been a cornerstone of presidential campaigns for decades, attended by everyone from John F. Kennedy to Donald Trump.
And yet, here we are, with Harris being the first candidate since 1984 to skip this charitable event. That’s right, the last time this happened, Walter Mondale was running for president—and spoiler alert—he lost in a landslide to Ronald Reagan. So, this move from Harris? Not exactly a good look if you’re reading the political tea leaves.
And, oh, what a night it was! President Trump, ever the showman, showed up in person, ready to dish out zingers and have a great time. Meanwhile, Kamala? She couldn’t be bothered. She sent in a pre-recorded video. The crowd’s reaction? Let’s just say “polite applause” was not on the menu—she got booed, loud and clear. It wasn’t just the no-show that irked people; it was that Harris somehow had time to appear on a sex podcast, “Call Her Daddy,” but couldn’t manage to make it to a Catholic charity event? Come on, even the optics here are terrible.
The annual Al Smith Dinner is underway in New York City.
“We are very sorry that Vice President Harris cannot make it here in person.”
Crowd: “BOOOOOO” pic.twitter.com/DxtQBya7HW
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
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
Of course, Trump took full advantage of the situation, doing what Trump does best—roasting anyone in his path. He joked that if the event’s funds were going to bail out looters in Minneapolis, Harris would’ve been there in a heartbeat. Zing! He even took a jab at Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in reference to her viral video where she fed a Dorito to a social media influencer. Look, agree or disagree with the guy, you’ve got to admit—Trump knows how to work a crowd.
NEW: Trump jokes that Kamala Harris would have shown up to the Al Smith dinner if the money was going out to bail out criminals.
Brutal. pic.twitter.com/aDRVDq7WbP
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 18, 2024
NEW: Trump says Kamala Harris couldn’t show up to the Al Smith dinner because she is busy getting communion from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer went viral for feeding a chip to a begging feminist on her knees last week.
Lmao. pic.twitter.com/qhCesVTf8U
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 18, 2024
The event wasn’t just about roasting Kamala, though. Trump spread the love around, aiming jabs at New York City’s beleaguered Mayor Eric Adams, and even Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. But the recurring theme? Kamala Harris’ no-show. Trump couldn’t resist comparing her to Mondale, who also skipped the event and got crushed in the election. “Shows there is a God,” Trump quipped, with a grin, as the audience roared in laughter.
Or this zinger:
LMAO!
Trump is in his bag tonight. Just dunking on Kamala and the Dems.
“There’s a group called ‘White Dudes for Harris’… but I’m not worried about them at all, because their wives and their wives’ lovers are all voting for me.”
HE’S THE GOAT! 😭
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) October 18, 2024
But the question hanging over the night wasn’t just about Harris’ absence—it was about what that absence says about her campaign. Could it be that the Vice President is out of touch with the traditional values of Catholic voters, who still hold sway in key swing states? Or maybe she’s just avoiding another public appearance where she might face tough questions. Either way, it’s a clear signal that her team doesn’t see this crowd as essential to her strategy.
Meanwhile, the crowd enjoyed Trump’s performance, leaving no doubt who won the night. Kamala’s video? A Millennial movie reference about “Superstar” that left people confused. It’s a bit like trying to make an inside joke at a party where nobody’s seen the movie—awkward, to say the least.
HOLY SH*T, what was that?
Kamala just shared her pre-recorded video for the Al Smith dinner in New York, making her the first presidential nominee since 1984 to skip the event.
Kamala’s video features SNL character Mary Katherine Gallagher, who, after smelling her armpits,… pic.twitter.com/eb6UsPxIn5
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) October 18, 2024
As Election Day looms closer, these little moments start to add up. Skipping traditional events like this could backfire, especially when your opponent shows up and nails it. Kamala Harris might want to reconsider her strategy before it’s too late. After all, just ask Walter Mondale how it worked out for him.
Watch Trump’s full speech here- really, you’ll be roaring with laughter.
Donald Trump’s full speech at the Al Smith Dinner.
Must watch 🤣
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) October 18, 2024