In an unexpected move, Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen to forgo a long-standing political tradition, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.

According to Daily Wire, Harris has decided not to attend the historic Al Smith charity dinner in New York City, an event that has been a staple for presidential candidates for decades.

The dinner, scheduled for October 17, is a Catholic fundraiser that typically features nominees from both major political parties engaging in light-hearted roasting and self-deprecating humor.

Harris' campaign has stated that she would prefer to focus on campaign activities rather than attend the event. This decision marks a significant departure from tradition, as she becomes the first presidential candidate in years to skip the dinner. The last time both candidates were absent was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, although they provided video statements for the occasion.

Historical Significance Of The Al Smith Dinner

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner has long been considered a crucial stop on the campaign trail for presidential hopefuls. The event, which is already sold out and expected to have 1,500 guests, provides a unique platform for candidates to showcase their humor and ability to engage in friendly banter with their opponents.

In 2016, the dinner gained particular attention when then-candidate Donald Trump took a more aggressive approach in his roasting of Hillary Clinton, focusing on her political history. This departure from the usual tone of the event sparked discussions about the evolving nature of political discourse in America.

The dinner has historically served as a moment of levity in otherwise intense campaign seasons, allowing candidates to display a more personable side to voters and donors alike. Harris' decision to skip the event could be seen as a missed opportunity to connect with a diverse audience in a less formal setting.

Campaign Strategy And Debate Negotiations

Instead of attending the Al Smith dinner, Harris has accepted a debate offer from CNN for late October. This decision comes after a series of negotiations and disagreements between the Harris and Trump campaigns regarding debate schedules and formats.

Harris' campaign emphasized the importance of multiple debates in a general election, stating:

It would be unprecedented in modern history for there to just be one general election debate. Vice President Harris is ready for another opportunity to share a stage with Donald Trump, and she has accepted CNN's invitation to a debate on October 23.

The campaign further challenged Trump to agree to this debate, suggesting that he should have no issues with participating. However, Trump has responded negatively to this proposal, citing the lateness of the offer and Harris' previous rejections of debate invitations.

Trump's Response And Previous Debate Offers

At a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, Trump addressed Harris' debate proposal, dismissing it as too late in the election cycle. He stated:

She's done one debate. I've done two. It's too late to do another. I'd love to, in many ways, but it's too late. The voting is cast.

Trump also pointed out that he had previously agreed to debates that Harris had declined, including a Fox News debate on September 4 and an NBC News debate on September 25. The only debate both candidates participated in was on ABC News on September 10.

Conclusion

Vice President Kamala Harris has decided to skip the traditional Al Smith charity dinner in New York City, becoming the first presidential candidate in years to do so. Instead, she proposed a late October debate on CNN, which former President Trump rejected as too late in the campaign season. This decision highlights the ongoing negotiations and strategic considerations in the current presidential race, with both campaigns maneuvering for perceived advantages in their public appearances and debates.