Kamala Harris’s decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner has been widely criticized as a strategic blunder.
The event, which is a charity gala featuring a who’s who of high society, is a prime opportunity for politicians to connect with influential Americans and generate positive press.
By choosing to absent herself, Harris missed a chance to create a favorable narrative and demonstrate her ability to navigate high-stakes social situations.
The dinner, which is often seen as a chance for politicians to showcase their humor and wit, was attended by a number of notable figures, including former President Donald Trump.
Trump’s jokes, which were aimed at Harris and other Democrats, were reportedly well-received by the audience, with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sitting in full view and visibly uncomfortable.
Trump’s jokes targeted Harris directly, with one particular line referencing her alleged inability to attend the dinner due to receiving communion from Gretchen Whitmer.
He also poked fun at the idea of “White Guys” supporting Harris, saying that her husband Doug’s infidelity was a major turn-off for voters.
Additionally, Trump advised Harris to keep her husband away from the nannies, a joke that was met with laughter from the audience.
Watch the entire set here:
Comedian Jim Gaffigan also took aim at Democrats, joking that their “defend democracy” rallying cry was actually a cover for their own authoritarian tendencies.
Gaffigan quipped that Democrats had executed a coup, booted a duly elected president, and installed Kamala Harris, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of the party’s rhetoric.
In response to the criticism, Harris’s campaign has attempted to pivot, highlighting Trump’s age and suggesting that he is no longer a viable candidate. However, this strategy is unlikely to gain traction, as it has failed to resonate with voters in the past.
Harris’s own campaign has also faced criticism for its lack of effectiveness, with some observers suggesting that her team is out of touch with reality. By skipping the Al Smith Dinner, Harris has only added to her team’s reputation for poor decision-making.
