(DailyVantage.com) – Vice President Kamala Harris has decided not to attend this year’s Al Smith fundraiser dinner. According to her campaign, Harris will be busy campaigning in a key battleground state as part of her presidential run. This event is known for bringing together presidential candidates from both major parties to poke fun at each other and share a few laughs in front of a large audience.
The Al Smith dinner is a long-standing tradition, especially during presidential election years. It started back in 1960 when John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon took part. Since then, it has become an event where candidates make light-hearted jokes about themselves and their opponents. It’s a chance to ease the pressure of the campaign trail and show a more human side.
This year’s dinner will be held in Midtown Manhattan and is already sold out, with about 1,500 guests expected to attend. Even though Harris won’t be there, the event is still set to be a big deal. In past years, notable figures like Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton took the stage together, trading jabs and jokes. Trump has attended both in 2016 and 2020, making headlines for his sharp humor.
So why is Harris skipping the event? Her campaign says she’s focused on spending time in a battleground state to secure votes. While that makes sense, missing the dinner might be seen as a missed opportunity. These events are not just for laughs—they’re also a chance to connect with voters in a unique way. Humor can break down barriers, and in politics, that’s often half the battle.
Still, it’s not the first time a candidate hasn’t shown up. In 1996, 2000, and 2004, the presidential candidates weren’t invited to the Al Smith dinner, for various reasons.
Even without Harris, the dinner will go on as planned. Whether her decision to focus elsewhere will be a good strategy remains to be seen.
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