Kamala Harris to skip Al Smith charity dinner: All you need to know about this 60-year tradition

In a notable departure from tradition, Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will reportedly not attend this year's Al Smith charity dinner in New York. This annual event typically unites presidential candidates from both major parties for an evening filled with camaraderie and humour.

The dinner serves as a fundraiser for Catholic Charities and is famous for its light-hearted banter among political rivals. It remains uncertain whether Republican candidate Donald Trump will be present at the event.

Harris¡¯ choice to forgo the dinner stems from her campaign's strategy to concentrate on key battleground states, with less than three weeks remaining until Election Day on November 5. An anonymous campaign official noted that the team believes it is essential for her to dedicate more time to areas crucial for winning the election, rather than spending time in the heavily Democratic landscape of New York.

Understanding the significance of the dinner

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner honours the former New York governor, a Democrat who was the first Roman Catholic nominated for president by a major party in 1928. Although Herbert Hoover soundly defeated Smith, the dinner has since become a significant tradition, raising millions for Catholic charities while showcasing the ability of presidential contenders to engage amicably, even if just for one evening.

Since its inception, the event has been a staple for presidential candidates, beginning with Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy¡¯s joint appearance in 1960. In 1996, however, the Archdiocese of New York chose not to invite then-President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger, Bob Dole, reportedly due to Clinton's veto of a late-term abortion ban. More recently, in 2020, Trump and then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden spoke at the dinner when it transitioned to an online format because of the Covid pandemic.

The legacy of Alfred E. Smith

According to time.com, Alfred E. Smith made history as the first Catholic presidential candidate from a major U.S. party, running as a Democrat in 1928. Rising from humble beginnings in New York City, he began his political career in the New York State legislature. As governor, he championed labour rights, slum clearance, and educational reforms. His nomination for president by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1924 made him a national figure. Still, Smith faced significant opposition fueled by anti-Catholic sentiment, including unfounded rumours about his loyalty to the Vatican.

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Though he never occupied the White House, Smith left a lasting legacy as a proponent of religious freedom and social reform. After retiring from politics in 1936, he took on various roles, including president of the Empire State Building. He passed away in 1944, and his contributions are commemorated each year through the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, established in 1945 to support Catholic charities and provide a platform for presidential candidates in the lead-up to elections.

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