Former President Donald Trump headlined the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York and lashed out at Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats. Trump criticized Harris for skipping the event to campaign in Wisconsin, questioning her priorities and urging Catholics to vote for him instead. The white-tie dinner, known for candidates trading lighthearted barbs, offered Trump a platform to deliver one-liners that drew laughs but also attacked the mental fitness of Harris and President Joe Biden.
In response, Harris recorded a video for the event alongside comedian Molly Shannon, poking fun at Trump’s comments in Michigan. Trump’s wife, Melania, made a rare appearance at the event, which was attended by Trump allies, foes, and New York Mayor Eric Adams, who faces legal troubles. Comedian Jim Gaffigan emceed the dinner, making jokes about Trump’s past business practices and the potential historical significance of a Black woman in the White House.
The dinner, named after former New York governor Al Smith, has become a tradition for presidential candidates since 1960. Trump’s speech at the event provoked a response from the Harris campaign, accusing him of instability. Despite the tense atmosphere, the dinner provided a rare opportunity for both candidates to share a stage before Election Day. Trump’s humor, a key aspect of his appeal to supporters, was on display throughout the evening, echoing his appearance at the dinner in 2016 against rival Hillary Clinton.
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