(DailyEmailNews.com) – Raising questions about her ability to face tough crowds and handle criticism, Kamala Harris is ditching a time-honored presidential campaign tradition.
Breaking a 60-year custom, Harris will skip the historic Al Smith Dinner, an event where candidates typically trade friendly jabs and showcase their ability to take a joke.
Set for October 17, the 79th annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner has been a staple for presidential hopefuls since John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon faced off in 1960.
Harris’ decision to break this long-standing tradition marks her as the first candidate to miss the event since Walter Mondale in 1984.
While Harris’ team blames a busy campaign schedule in battleground states as the reason for her absence, many question if this is just another attempt to avoid scrutiny and potential confrontation.
The dinner is known for its lighthearted roasting between political adversaries. It raises millions for Catholic Charities supporting women and children in need across New York City.
The Archdiocese of New York expressed disappointment over Harris’ decision and emphasized the event’s focus on unity and charitable giving.
Archdiocese spokesperson Joseph Zwilling stated:
“We are disappointed that she will not be with us, as this is an evening of unity and putting aside political differences in support of a good cause of helping women and children in need regardless of race, creed, or background. We hope she reconsiders.”
Harris’s absence becomes even more evident as GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend the event.
This scenario echoes back to 1984 when a Democrat candidate last skipped the event while a Republican nominee attended.
The stark contrast between Harris’ avoidance and Trump’s willingness to engage raises serious questions about the Democrat’s readiness for the presidential spotlight.
Named after Alfred E. Smith – the first Roman Catholic nominated for president by a major party in 1928 – the dinner has been a platform for candidates to showcase their wit and ability to connect with voters across party lines.
Harris’ decision to skip this opportunity may be seen as a missed chance to showcase crucial leadership qualities.
While Harris’ team claims she would attend as president if elected, this promise rings hollow given her current reluctance.
It is worth noting that even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, both Trump and Joe Biden managed to participate by providing pre-taped video remarks for the virtual dinner.
As the election draws nearer, Harris’ absence from this significant event may fuel further speculation about her ability to handle the pressures of a presidential campaign.
With millions of dollars for charity at stake and a tradition of bipartisan engagement on the line, Harris’ decision to prioritize campaigning over this historic dinner leaves many questioning her judgment and commitment to American traditions.
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