Cardinal Timothy Dolan expresses disappointment over Vice President Kamala Harris' decision to skip the historic event, emphasizing the significance of unity and tradition.
Vice President Kamala Harris' choice to forgo the upcoming Al Smith Dinner, a long-standing tradition of good-natured political camaraderie, has drawn criticism and disappointment from Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The Archbishop of New York lamented Harris' absence, highlighting the dinner's importance in fostering bipartisan understanding and raising funds for charitable causes.
Dolan, who is hosting the dinner on October 17th, expressed his dismay during a press briefing at the Elizabeth Seton Children's Center in Yonkers. "We're disappointed," Dolan stated. "We were looking forward to giving the Vice President an enthusiastic welcome and we were confident that she would find this... a good opportunity to get away from division and come together in unity."
Harris' Absence from Al Smith Dinner Raises Concerns
The Al Smith Dinner, named after the former New York Governor, has served as a forum for presidential candidates to engage in lighthearted banter and demonstrate their commitment to bipartisanship. Since 1960, Republican and Democratic nominees have traditionally attended the event, using it as a platform for humor and fundraising.
Harris' campaign notified organizers of her decision to skip the dinner, citing plans to campaign in an unspecified battleground state. Cardinal Dolan expressed his hope that Harris would reconsider her decision, emphasizing the value of the event as a unifying force.
Harris' Absence from Al Smith Dinner Raises Concerns
"We're not used to this. We don't know how to handle it," Dolan said, referring to Harris' absence. "This hasn't happened in 40 years... and we're not giving up."
In recent years, the Al Smith Dinner has witnessed both cordial and contentious exchanges between candidates. In 2020, President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden appeared at the dinner but refrained from attacking each other, despite the heated presidential race.
Harris' Absence from Al Smith Dinner Raises Concerns
Dolan commended Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Governor Kathy Hochul for their efforts to persuade Harris to attend. "We hope she's here," Dolan said.
Harris' decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner has garnered mixed reactions. Some commentators have praised her focus on campaigning, while others have expressed concern over the departure from tradition. The dinner has been lauded for its ability to unite individuals from different political backgrounds and raise awareness about the work of Catholic Charities.
As the countdown to the election continues, the absence of Vice President Harris from the Al Smith Dinner will likely remain a topic of debate. Questions linger as to whether her decision will impact the event's legacy of fostering bipartisan cooperation and charitable giving.
