Official campaign announcements and news reports

Kamala Harris to Skip Al Smith Charity Dinner, First Time Since 1984

Sep 21, 2024, 11:13 PM

Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not attend next month's Al Smith charity dinner in New York City, CNN reports. This event, which has been attended by every major presidential candidate since the 1960s, is a traditional fundraiser for Catholic charities and is expected to have 1500 guests in attendance. Harris's decision marks the first time a presidential candidate has skipped the event since 1984. Her campaign stated that she will be focusing on campaigning in a battleground state less than three weeks before Election Day. The Al Smith dinner is known for its light-hearted roasts between candidates, and Harris's absence has sparked speculation about her reasons for skipping the event. Joe Zwilling, a spokesperson for the New York Archdiocese, expressed disappointment over Harris's decision, emphasizing the night's goal of unity and support for a great cause.