Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’ Al Smith speeches leave people wondering who was at the Al Smith dinner
Last updated
The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner has once again made headlines, especially with Donald Trump’s speech and Vice President Kamala Harris’ notable absence. This annual event, honoring the first Catholic presidential nominee, serves as a traditional gathering where political candidates can showcase their lighter sides through humor and jabs at one another. However, this year’s dinner took place against a backdrop of heightened political tension, raising questions about its future significance.
Importance of the Al Smith Dinner
The Al Smith Dinner is historically significant for several reasons:
- Bipartisanship Tradition: The dinner typically promotes a spirit of camaraderie among political rivals, allowing candidates to showcase humor and self-deprecation in front of a diverse audience.
- Election Season Platform: It has been a staple event during election cycles, providing candidates an opportunity to connect with voters in a lighter atmosphere, which can help humanize them amid intense political campaigning.
- Charitable Purpose: Named after Alfred E. Smith, a prominent figure in New York politics, the dinner supports charitable causes, continuing his legacy of public service.
Highlights from This Year’s Dinner
The 2024 dinner, however, diverged from tradition in several notable ways:
- Donald Trump’s Speech: Trump attended the event in person and delivered a speech that many described as more of a campaign rally. His address, which included pointed remarks and jokes about various figures, sparked discomfort among attendees at times. For example, his comments regarding transgender women and a profanity-laced critique of former Mayor Bill de Blasio stood out as particularly controversial.
- Kamala Harris’ Absence: Vice President Harris opted out of attending in person, breaking from the longstanding tradition of candidates being present at the dinner during election years. Instead, she delivered a pre-recorded video message that featured a comedic skit with Molly Shannon, showcasing a more humorous take on her absence.
Notable Attendees
While the complete guest list was not made public, several prominent figures were present:
- Melania Trump: The former First Lady made a rare public appearance, drawing attention due to her limited involvement in Trump’s campaign activities.
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams: Despite facing his own legal challenges, he attended the dinner, which Trump referenced during his speech, leading to Adams leaving early.
- Other Guests: High-profile attendees included New York Attorney General Letitia James, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Reactions and Implications
The reactions to Trump’s speech were mixed. While some attendees found humor in his remarks, others appeared uncomfortable, reflecting the polarized nature of current American politics. Trump’s approach, which seemed to blend humor with serious political jabs, contrasted sharply with Harris’s absence, reinforcing the division between the parties.
As the dinner concluded, many wondered about its future. Will it continue to serve as a moment of levity and bipartisan unity, or has this year’s event marked a significant shift in its tone and purpose? The contrasting strategies of the political figures in attendance suggest a growing challenge in maintaining the dinner’s traditional spirit amid an increasingly polarized political landscape.
