Donald Trump took the stage at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner and didn’t hold back, launching into sharp jabs at Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats. With Harris absent from the event, Trump didn’t miss a beat in using her no-show to mock her campaign and alliance with Gov. Tim Walz.
At a Glance:
- Trump ridiculed Harris’ absence from the event, mockingly suggesting she was in Michigan receiving Communion from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
- Harris responded through a video featuring comedian Molly Shannon, blending humor and religious themes.
- Catholic leaders criticized Harris for skipping the dinner, interpreting it as an insult to the Catholic community.
Trump’s humor, tinged with criticism of Democrats, was in full force as he started his remarks by poking fun at his own legal woes, stating, “These days, it’s really a pleasure to go anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance.” He then went after Harris for being the first major-party candidate to miss the event in nearly 40 years, quipping, “She’s in Michigan receiving Communion from [Governor] Gretchen Whitmer,” and continued with a series of attacks on the Biden administration, likening Harris’ abilities to those of a child.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53mFsx0LFnY
Meanwhile, Harris responded with a prerecorded video alongside Molly Shannon, reprising her classic role as Mary Katherine Gallagher. Though lighthearted, Harris’ video message also took a serious tone, calling for unity to support Catholic Charities’ efforts to help those in need.
Harris’ decision to skip the event sparked frustration among Catholic leaders, with Brian Burch of the Catholic Vote organization calling it “insulting” and unsurprising given Harris’ “hostility toward Catholics and people of faith.”
Despite the jokes and jabs, the event succeeded in raising over $10 million for Catholic Charities in New York. However, Trump’s remarks and Harris’ absence underscored the deep divisions between the two campaigns as the 2024 election approaches.
Surely Harris knew this was a bad idea? But she just…did it anyway?
