Comedian Jim Gaffigan recently made some critical comments about Vice President Kamala Harris for missing the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. Instead of attending the bipartisan Catholic charity event in person, Harris chose to send a pre-recorded video message, which Gaffigan found disappointing. He questioned why Harris would skip an event that is often referred to as the “Catholic Met Gala” and emphasized the importance of engaging with Catholic voters, especially in battleground states.
Gaffigan also made jokes about the Democratic Party’s actions during the previous election, including the replacement of President Biden with Harris as the nominee. He humorously suggested that Harris had achieved all her dreams by becoming president in this scenario. This lighthearted banter was part of the evening’s tradition of political figures poking fun at each other.
The absence of Harris at the charity dinner also caught the attention of New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the event’s host. Dolan expressed disappointment that Harris chose not to attend, highlighting the dinner’s focus on bringing people together in a spirit of civility, patriotism, and humor. He emphasized that the event is not meant to be a campaign speech or stop, but rather a chance for individuals from different backgrounds to come together.
While Harris’s campaign cited the need to focus on campaigning in Wisconsin as the reason for her absence, Gaffigan and others found her decision to skip the historic event surprising. The tradition of the Al Smith dinner dates back to 1946 and has raised millions of dollars for charities supporting women and children. It has become a significant cultural and political event during election seasons, with past attendees including prominent political figures and public figures.
Overall, Gaffigan’s comments and the reactions to Harris’s absence at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner shed light on the intersection of politics, humor, and tradition in American society. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging with diverse communities and fostering a sense of unity, regardless of political differences. Through humor and camaraderie, attendees at the dinner have the opportunity to come together and celebrate the spirit of democracy and civic engagement.