Mon Sep 23 21:15:00 UTC 2024: ## Vice President Harris Snubs Al Smith Dinner, Sparking Criticism and Speculation
**New York, NY** – Vice President Kamala Harris has broken with decades of tradition by declining an invitation to the Al Smith Dinner, a prestigious charity event hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. This marks the first time a presidential candidate has skipped the dinner since 1984, when Walter Mondale opted out.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the event’s host, expressed disappointment at Harris’ decision, stating the Archdiocese was “looking forward to giving the vice president an enthusiastic welcome.” While he humorously alluded to Mondale’s subsequent election loss, Dolan emphasized that the Archdiocese was not giving up hope of Harris attending.
Harris’ staff cited her busy campaign schedule as the reason for her absence, focusing on key battleground states. However, the move has sparked controversy and speculation, particularly from Republican nominee Donald Trump, who sees it as further evidence of Harris’ “anti-Catholic actions.”
Trump, in a social media post, accused the Biden-Harris administration of persecuting Catholics and suggested any Catholic voting for Harris should “have their head examined.” He will attend the dinner, which raises millions for Catholic Charities.
The Al Smith Dinner, a tradition since 1946, has historically seen both presidential candidates attend and engage in lighthearted banter. This year, prominent Catholic comedian Jim Gaffigan will serve as master of ceremonies.
Some observers, like Bill Donohue of the Catholic League, suggest Harris’ decision is strategically sound, citing her potential discomfort with the event’s format and her perceived weakness in quick-witted exchanges compared to Trump.
Meanwhile, Harris’ campaign has been actively courting Catholic voters, organizing rallies and releasing advertisements in key swing states. However, the campaign’s recent cancellation of a scheduled visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa adds to the growing intrigue surrounding Harris’ outreach to the Catholic community.
With the Al Smith Dinner rapidly approaching, the Archdiocese is hoping to persuade Harris to attend, while the political world watches closely for how this unexpected development unfolds.
First Piper 