Published on October 18, 2024, 7:48 pm
Image source: Fox News
“`json [ { “TLDR”: “Former President Donald Trump attended the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner and made jokes about Vice President Kamala Harris missing the event. Despite Harris sending a video message, notable figures like Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and comedian Jim Gaffigan were present. Trump criticized Harris, praised a Catholic group’s efforts, and highlighted the event’s history and charitable goals.” } ] “`
Former President Donald Trump made an appearance at the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, where he delivered jokes and took jabs at Vice President Kamala Harris for missing the bipartisan political gathering that typically brings some humor to the presidential campaign season.
Trump humorously commented on Harris’ absence, suggesting that if the event funds were meant for bailouts of looters and rioters in Minneapolis, she would have attended without fail. The annual Al Smith dinner has been a tradition since 1946, raising substantial amounts for charities supporting women and children. Named after Al Smith, the first Catholic presidential candidate who served as New York’s governor in the late 1920s, this dinner has become a significant part of election cycles.
Despite Harris opting for a pre-recorded video message instead of attending in person, notable figures such as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and comedian Jim Gaffigan graced the event hosted by Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Interestingly, Harris’ video featured comedian Molly Shannon portraying a Catholic student engaging in light-hearted banter with her.
While Trump used the occasion to criticize Harris’ absence and make self-deprecating jokes, he also commended a Catholic group’s efforts to appeal to Church faithful through an anti-Harris campaign. He emphasized his consistent attendance at the dinner since 2016 and how he engaged in jests with Hillary Clinton during previous years.
The significance of this historic event was highlighted by Dolan expressing disappointment in Harris skipping it, underscoring its essence of bringing people together under themes like civility, patriotism, and humor. As Trump wrapped up his remarks with words of hope for America’s future, Dolan anticipated raising around $9 million from the event to aid women and children in need—a testament to the charitable aspect intertwined with political moments like these.
Original article posted by Fox News