Mon Sep 23 21:19:37 UTC 2024: ## Trump and Gaffigan to Co-Headline Al Smith Dinner as Harris Declines

**New York City** – Comedian Jim Gaffigan will host the annual Al Smith dinner, a high-profile event traditionally attended by both presidential candidates, despite Vice President Kamala Harris declining the invitation. Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, confirmed his attendance, indicating a potential for a heated comedic exchange between the two.

Gaffigan, a New Yorker known for his clean, observational humor, expressed his disappointment that Harris wouldn’t be attending, but affirmed his commitment to hosting the event, which benefits Catholic charities. He expressed hopes that Harris would reconsider, even offering to host her and her husband at his family’s apartment.

Harris’ campaign cited her busy schedule in battleground states as the reason for declining the invitation, highlighting the event’s low political impact in a largely Democratic state. The Vice President is said to be prioritizing campaign stops in key states instead of attending a “comedy roast” with her opponent.

Trump, however, took a more aggressive stance, suggesting Harris’ absence was due to anti-Catholic sentiment. He cited her support for the “Transgender Day of Visibility” event at the White House on Easter Sunday as evidence of her supposed intolerance towards Catholics.

The Al Smith dinner, known for its tradition of light-hearted political humor, is expected to take a more contentious tone this year, especially given Trump’s previous controversial remarks at the 2016 dinner, where he was criticized for making a joke about Hillary Clinton’s alleged dislike of Catholics.

The upcoming event is expected to be a significant test for Gaffigan’s ability to navigate the political landscape while maintaining a humorous and entertaining atmosphere. Whether the dinner will be a platform for comedic relief or further political polarization remains to be seen.

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