Thu Oct 17 11:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Kamala Harris Skips Al Smith Dinner, Fueling Criticism of Her “Progressive” Stance
**New York City** – Vice President Kamala Harris will skip the annual Al Smith Dinner this Thursday, a tradition that typically features remarks from both presidential candidates. The dinner, known for its light-hearted tone and purpose of raising money for Catholic charities, has become a symbolic representation of bipartisanship and the ability of political rivals to come together.
Harris’s absence has sparked criticism, with many observers pointing to her history of antagonism towards religious Christians. Her campaign has cited a busy schedule, emphasizing her focus on campaigning in key states. However, commentators have countered this explanation, highlighting her recent appearances on a raunchy podcast and at high-profile fundraisers.
Critics argue that Harris’s choice to skip the event reflects a deeper discomfort with the Christian community. They point to her past actions, such as her support for a state law requiring pro-life crisis pregnancy centers to advertise abortion services, and her public criticism of pro-lifers during her time as California’s Attorney General.
The article also highlights Harris’s comments during her Senate confirmation hearings, where she grilled Catholic judicial nominees about their membership in the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization dedicated to charitable work.
While Harris has attempted to portray herself as a unifier, her actions at the Al Smith Dinner have been viewed as a continuation of her “progressive” agenda, which includes using state power to punish her political opponents. Her decision to skip the event, critics argue, is a testament to her unwillingness to engage with those who hold differing religious and political views.
First Piper 