US Presidential candidate Kamala Harris to break 60-year tradition, decides to miss Al Smith Dinner

Kamala Harris, the US Vice President, is set to break a 60-year presidential tradition. She has decided to miss this year’s Al Smith Dinner in New York scheduled for October 17, reported the Post.

The Democratic candidate will instead campaign in key battleground states during this critical period leading up to Election Day and avoid dinner obligation that benefits Catholic Charities, according to Harris’ campaign.

This will make her the second presidential candidate to do this, since Walter Mondale was the first to skip Al Smith Dinner in 1984. Meanwhile, former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump will attend the 79th iteration of the iconic dinner as confirmed. However, the Democratic candidate told event organisers that she hopes to attend similar events as president if elected in November.

The event is known to foster “collegiality and healthy humor,” typically presidential candidates from both parties appear together and exchanging light-hearted jabs. The tradition began in 1960 when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy first shared the stage while throwing barbs at each other.

Expressing disappointment at the latest development, Archdiocese spokesperson Joseph Zwillng said, “We are disappointed that she will not be with us," reported the Post. Expecting Kamala Harris to review her decision and reconsider the choice of skipping the event, Joseph Zwillng added, “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."

What is Al Smith Dinner?

The iconic dinner is known to raise millions for Catholic charities, which is named after the first Roman Catholic major party presidential candidate, Alfred E Smith, who was nominated for US President post in 1928. The occasion serves as a rare opportunity for candidates to display camaraderie.

In 2020, Donald Trump and Joe Biden were unable to attend the dinner in person amid the peak of COVID-19 pandemic. However, pre-taped video remarks were delivered at the first-ever virtual Al Smith Dinner.