Mon Sep 23 21:43:08 UTC 2024: ## Trump to Attend Al Smith Dinner, Harris Skips for Campaigning
**NEW YORK** – Former President Donald Trump has confirmed he will be the sole featured speaker at this year’s Al Smith charity dinner, a traditionally bipartisan event that Vice President Kamala Harris will skip in favor of campaigning in battleground states.
The Al Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, held annually in October, is known for its lighthearted atmosphere, with presidential candidates from both parties attending and engaging in good-natured ribbing. However, this year’s event is set to be a departure from this tradition, with Harris choosing to focus on crucial swing states instead.
Trump, in a Truth Social post, expressed his disappointment at Harris’ absence, claiming it is “sad, but not surprising.” He also took the opportunity to criticize Harris’ stance on Catholicism, suggesting Catholic voters who support her “should have their head examined.”
Harris’ campaign responded by emphasizing her commitment to campaigning in states critical to the election. They also pointed out that she is willing to attend the dinner as president, should she win the upcoming election.
The Al Smith dinner, named after the former New York governor and first Roman Catholic presidential nominee, is a major fundraiser for Catholic charities. Its tradition of bipartisan camaraderie dates back to 1960 when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy attended together.
This year’s event is expected to be a more contentious affair, given Trump’s history of inflammatory rhetoric and Harris’ focus on campaigning. It remains to be seen how Trump will navigate the evening, given his past behavior at similar events.
First Piper 