Kamala Harris to skip traditional Al Smith dinner, first time presidential candidate has ducked charity event since 1984

SUMMARY

Vice President Kamala Harris has decided to skip the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a key charity event held annually by the Archdiocese of New York. This marks the first time a presidential candidate has declined since Walter Mondale in 1984. While former President Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance, Harris’s campaign stated that she would focus on campaigning in critical battleground states as Election Day approaches. The dinner, set for October 17, traditionally sees presidential contenders roast each other in good humor. Archdiocese spokesperson Joseph Zwilling expressed disappointment over Harris’s absence, noting that the event is about unity and supporting women and children in need. Harris’s team suggested she would attend if elected president. The dinner has historically raised millions for charity and began hosting presidential candidates in 1960 with Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.