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Social media users, particularly conservatives and critics, expressed their discontent with Vice President Kamala Harris after she shared a “cringe-worthy” pre-recorded video message during the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on Thursday night, opting not to attend the event in person.
“Kamala Harris released her pre-recorded video for the Al Smith dinner in New York that she didn’t attend. Comedian Jim Gaffigan mocked the Vice President after a tepid applause from the audience once it concluded. Cringe,” tweeted Colin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, sharing his thoughts on Harris’ video.
The Significance of the Al Smith Dinner
The Al Smith Dinner is a bipartisan charity event that has become an essential part of political and cultural traditions during election seasons. Historically, nominees from both major parties have participated to engage in light-hearted banter.
Harris’s Absence and Video Message
This year marked a notable absence as Harris chose not to attend—an occurrence not seen since 1984 when Democratic nominee Walter Mondale skipped out—and instead sent a video for attendees to view. The clip also featured comedian Molly Shannon reprising her iconic “Saturday Night Live” character Mary Katherine Gallagher.
HARRIS TO VIRTUALLY ATTEND CATHOLIC CHARITY DINNER HEADLINED BY TRUMP
A Lighthearted Exchange
“I just want to say that I’m Catholic, and tonight is one of the biggest dinners next to the Last Supper,” Shannon said while dressed as Mary Katherine Gallagher in her message directed at Harris.
“This dinner holds great significance and tradition that I am proud to be part of,” responded Harris before Shannon humorously displayed her character’s quirky behavior by sticking her hands under her armpits and smelling them.
A Playful Dialogue
“Is there anything you think I should avoid mentioning tonight?” asked Harris.
“Well, don’t lie! Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” replied Shannon playfully.
“Absolutely! Especially regarding your neighbor’s election results,” added Harris with an apparent jab at Trump.
Reactions from Critics and Supporters
COMEDIAN JIM GAFFIGAN TAKES SURPRISING SHOTS AT HARRIS FOR SKIPPING ‘CATHOLIC MET GALA’
Shannon’s character advised against making negative comments about Catholics before asking if Trump’s insults bothered her: “Does it bother you that Trump insults you all the time? Because it really bothers my friends.”
“Oh Mary Katherine, it’s crucial always to remember: never let anyone define who you are; instead tell them who you are,” responded Harris earnestly.
KAMALA HARRIS PLANS TO SKIP HISTORIC AL SMITH DINNER DESPITE LONG-STANDING TRADITION
The Emcee’s Commentary
The evening’s emcee Jim Gaffigan humorously remarked after viewing the video that he was uncertain about how attendees felt regarding its content:
“I don’t even know what noise you’re making… something like ahhhhh.”
“Watching this made me think: Now I understand how my kids felt when I FaceTimed into their piano recital,” he added jokingly.
TRUMP APPLAUDS CATHOLIC GROUP’S MULTI-MILLION ANTI-HARRIS CAMPAIGN APPEALING TO CHURCH FAITHFUL
Supporters praised Harris’ video on social media as a “must-watch “, while others applauded her decision to skip attending.
During his speech at the dinner, former President Donald Trump took jabs at both Harris’ absence and other topics related to her policies.
“If only you’d told Vice President Harris this was funding for bailing out looters in Minneapolis; she would have been here without question,” Trump quipped referencing past events surrounding protests.
“I must admit I was surprised by Kamala skipping this historic gathering; we can never hear enough of that beautiful laugh—she laughs so much!” he joked further.
A Serious Conclusion from Kamala
Harris concluded her message with gravity by referencing scripture:
‘The Gospel of Luke reminds us faith illuminates those living in darkness while guiding our steps toward peace.’ In honor of tonight’s gathering let us commit ourselves anew towards understanding each other across divides,’ she stated earnestly before invoking Al Smith’s legacy.’.
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