Kamala Harris Breaks Tradition: Opts Out of Historic Al Smith Dinner, Report Says

The decision by Kamala Harris to skip the Al Smith Dinner, an annual charitable event that has been held since 1945, has drawn attention and raised questions about the importance of political traditions. The event, named after former New York Governor Alfred E. Smith, is traditionally attended by presidential and vice-presidential nominees from both major parties. While it is not uncommon for political figures to decline attending certain events due to scheduling conflicts or other reasons, Harris’s decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner has been seen by some as a departure from a long-standing tradition. The dinner, which is organized by the Catholic Church, serves as a platform for candidates to come together in a bipartisan spirit and deliver lighthearted speeches that poke fun at themselves and their opponents. The decision by Harris to forgo the event is seen by some as a missed opportunity for her to showcase her sense of humor and ability to connect with voters in a more casual setting. Traditionally, the Al Smith Dinner provides candidates with a chance to show their lighter side and demonstrate their willingness to engage in good-natured banter with their political rivals. Harris’s decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner may be indicative of the changing nature of political campaigns and the increased focus on virtual and digital communication. With the rise of social media and online fundraising, candidates have more ways than ever to connect with voters without the need for attending traditional events like the Al Smith Dinner. However, some critics argue that by bypassing such long-standing traditions, candidates risk missing out on important opportunities to show their human side and connect with voters in a more personal and relatable way. The Al Smith Dinner, with its tradition of light-hearted speeches and bipartisan camaraderie, offers candidates a chance to build bridges across party lines and demonstrate their ability to rise above the partisan divide. In the end, Harris’s decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner may be seen as a strategic choice in a rapidly changing political landscape. Whether this decision will have any impact on her campaign remains to be seen, but it highlights the evolving nature of political campaigns and the shifting priorities of candidates seeking to connect with voters in new and innovative ways.