Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner has raised eyebrows among political commentators. In this article, contributing editor David Marcus explains why he believes Harris's choice is a deeply cynical move, driven by five very specific reasons.
Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. This prestigious event, which has been attended by presidential candidates since 1960, provides a unique opportunity for candidates to engage in friendly banter and demonstrate unity despite their political differences. Harris's absence has been widely criticized as a snub to tradition and a missed opportunity for her to connect with voters on a more personal level.
In this article, contributing editor David Marcus delves into the possible reasons behind Harris's decision, arguing that it is a carefully calculated move driven by five specific and cynical reasons.
Harris' Absence from Al Smith Dinner: A Cynical Move with Five Reasons
Marcus believes that Harris's refusal to participate in the Al Smith Dinner stems from her campaign's strategy to portray former President Donald Trump as a dangerous and divisive figure. Attending the dinner and interacting with Trump in a friendly setting would undermine this narrative and create the impression that the two candidates could potentially coexist peacefully.
Marcus notes that Harris has been carefully shielded from unscripted events throughout her campaign. The Al Smith Dinner, with its open format and lack of a teleprompter, would require Harris to think on her feet and engage with the audience in a genuine way. This is something that Harris's handlers may believe she is not capable of doing effectively.
Harris' Absence from Al Smith Dinner: A Cynical Move with Five Reasons
According to Marcus, Harris's decision to snub the Al Smith Dinner, which is hosted by the Catholic Church, is a wink at her progressive supporters who view the Church as an oppressive institution. By distancing herself from the event, Harris can appeal to her base without alienating moderate voters.
Marcus argues that Harris is avoiding debates against Trump because she is not confident in her ability to compete on an equal footing. She has handpicked only left-leaning networks for proposed debates, declined a debate on Fox News, and has sought to debate only against President Joe Biden, who is not running for reelection.
Marcus notes that the Al Smith Dinner is known for its humor and lighthearted atmosphere. Harris's public speaking skills have been widely criticized, and her attempts at humor often fall flat. Her handlers may believe that attending the dinner would expose her weaknesses in this area.
Marcus concludes that Harris's decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner is not simply a break with tradition but a deliberate strategy designed to maintain her carefully constructed image as an unwavering opponent of Trump. She is prioritizing her political agenda over the opportunity to connect with voters and demonstrate a spirit of unity. By doing so, she is undermining the values of compassion, civility, and bipartisanship that the Al Smith Dinner has embodied for decades.
