Kamala Harris Misses Major Event, Eyes on Key Battleground States

Smiling woman in black coat waves among people.

Vice President Kamala Harris breaks tradition by opting out of the historic 79th Al Smith Dinner, raising questions about her campaign strategy and the event’s political significance.

At a Glance

Harris will skip the Al Smith Dinner, a long-standing tradition for presidential candidates
The Vice President plans to campaign in a battleground state instead
This marks the first time since 1984 that a Democratic candidate has missed the event while a Republican nominee attends
The dinner, benefiting Catholic Charities, has been a platform for political humor since 1960

Breaking Tradition: Harris Opts Out of Al Smith Dinner

Vice President Kamala Harris has decided to skip the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, breaking a long-standing tradition for presidential hopefuls. The event, scheduled for October 17, has been a staple in the political calendar since 1960 when John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon set the precedent. Harris’s absence marks a significant departure from this custom, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.

The Vice President’s team has cited a demanding campaign schedule in contested states as the reason for her absence. This decision positions Harris as the first presidential candidate to miss the dinner since Walter Mondale in 1984, potentially signaling a shift in campaign priorities for the Democratic ticket.

The Significance of the Al Smith Dinner

The Al Smith Dinner, hosted by the archbishop of New York, is more than just a political gathering. It serves as a fundraiser for Catholic Charities, supporting women and children in need regardless of their background. The event has historically provided a unique platform for presidential candidates to showcase their humor and ability to connect with voters in a less formal setting.

“We are disappointed that she will not be with us, as this is an evening of unity and putting aside political differences in support of a good cause of helping women and children in need regardless of race, creed, or background,” Archdiocese spokesperson Joseph Zwilling told The New York Post. “We hope she reconsiders.”

The dinner’s tradition of bringing together political rivals for a night of lighthearted roasts has produced memorable moments over the years. However, it has not been without controversy. In 2016, then-candidate Donald Trump faced criticism for his remarks about Hillary Clinton, which some viewed as crossing the line from humor to hostility.

Political Implications of Harris’s Absence

Harris’s decision to skip the dinner while focusing on battleground states may reflect a strategic calculation by her campaign team. By prioritizing direct voter engagement in crucial swing states, the Vice President appears to be emphasizing grassroots campaigning over traditional political events.

However, this move could potentially alienate some Catholic voters, a key demographic in several battleground states. The dinner has historically served as an opportunity for candidates to connect with Catholic leaders and showcase their ability to bridge political divides.

Kamala Harris plans to skip historic Al Smith dinner despite long-standing tradition: report https://t.co/LVIUrAX3Jw

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 22, 2024

While Harris’s team has indicated she would be willing to attend as president if elected, her absence this year stands in stark contrast to the expected attendance of former President Donald Trump. This disparity could provide fodder for critics questioning the Biden-Harris campaign’s commitment to bipartisan engagement and traditional political norms.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Harris’s decision to forgo the Al Smith Dinner may be remembered as a pivotal moment, either as a shrewd tactical move or a missed opportunity to engage with a crucial voting bloc. Only time will tell how this break from tradition will impact the Vice President’s campaign and the broader political landscape.