Staff Reports
The Al Smith Dinner, a time-honored event as revered as the State of the Union, brings together guests for a good cause—namely, supporting endeavors aligned with Catholic values. Traditionally, major political candidates show up to lend their support. However, Kamala Harris, the vice president and Democratic hopeful, decided to skip out on this gathering, marking the first time in four decades that a serious candidate chose to be absent from such a key philanthropic event. Harris turned this gala into a metaphorical elephant in the room—one that wasn’t even physically present, highlighting her conspicuous absence.
The comedic master of ceremonies, Jim Gaffigan, found a rare opportunity to demonstrate his wit by taking a shot at Harris for bailing on the event. Meanwhile, the vice president attempted to salvage her reputation with an absurd video featuring SNL alum Mary Katherine Gallagher. This effort was a cringe-inducing display, reminiscent of a desperate plea for attention. Harris read monotonously off a teleprompter, showing more effort in absconding from the event than in providing any real substance. This was not just a missed opportunity for camaraderie; it was a textbook example of phoning it in.
Jim Gaffigan just roasted Kamala Harris for skipping the Al Smith dinner:
"She did find time to appear on The View, Howard Stern, Colbert and the longtime staple of campaigning, the Call Her Daddy podcastpic.twitter.com/dFqlsmL3Dy
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 18, 2024
Reports about Harris’s lackluster management skills have circulated, and they appear to have some basis in reality. She either cannot attract competent staff or her reputation as a difficult boss precedes her. Her absence at the Al Smith Dinner not only signifies a failure to engage in friendly political banter but also underscores the thin skin she exhibits in the face of criticism. Observers noted how her recent remarks during a Fox News interview showcased her complete inability to handle disagreement, further proving that the vice president lacks the essential qualities needed for effective leadership, especially when the stakes are high.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump seized the momentum from this situation in typical fashion, making the evening his own. He delivered a 25-minute set filled with humor that had the room cracking up. Whether taking jabs at Tim Walz, the Minnesota governor and Harris’s running mate, or roasting the political elite, Trump was in top form. The crowd was delighted when he riffed on the short-lived stint that Walz had on SNL, serving up another classic moment of political humor. Such displays reinforce Trump’s reputation for being unflinching and unfiltered, qualities that resonate with his supporters.
As election day draws near, Trump’s confidence shines, contrasting sharply with Harris’s evident discomfort. The response from the Harris-Walz campaign to Trump’s comedic barbs was not just defensive but indicative of their precarious positioning. They audaciously claimed that Trump struggled with reading scripted notes and lashed out at the crowd, while the reality was likely much simpler: it’s hard to compete when one side is genuinely engaging and the other is hiding away. Americans often see through the smoke and mirrors, and right now, the contrast couldn’t be clearer.
There is little doubt that one candidate takes the stage boldly while the other retreats. Trump’s presence at the dinner, amid a crowd that didn’t have to embrace him, demonstrated his willingness to engage openly with all Americans. In contrast, Harris’s absence speaks volumes about her approach, or lack thereof, in facing her critics. She has become a cardboard cutout—unwilling and uncertain—while Trump oozes authenticity and bravado. The stakes are high, and as the countdown continues to the election on November 5, it’s becoming increasingly clear that voters are taking note of who will confront challenges and who will shy away.
