Key Takeaways:
– Donald Trump attends the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, taking shots at Democrats.
– Kamala Harris forgoes attendance but sends in a pre-recorded video.
– The event raised over 10 million dollars for the Catholic Charities of New York.
– Comedian Molly Shannon and Vice President Harris share a playful exchange via pre-recorded video.
– Trump reveals he received writing assistance from Fox News for his speech.
Trump’s Remarks Create Stir at Traditional Event
At the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, former President Donald Trump stole the spotlight with a prominent display of his sharp humor. Known for being nonpartisan and self-deprecating, the event had a twist with Trump delivering pointed jokes, specifically aimed at the Democrats and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris Sends Message via Pre-recorded Video
In a surprising move, Vice President Harris chose not to attend, opting instead to send a pre-recorded message featuring a playful dialogue with comedian Molly Shannon. This marked the first occasion in nearly four decades that a major-party presidential candidate has not graced the popular event.
Trump Roasts Harris in Absence
Undeterred by Harris’s absence, Trump took the opportunity to poke fun at her and her campaign initiatives, eliciting a mix of laughter and groans from the audience. His joke about Harris’ supporters demography, in particular, garnered a mixed reaction.
Vice President Emphasizes Unity in Video Message
Despite the playful exchange with Shannon, Harris adopted a serious tone towards the end of her video. She highlighted the Catholic Church’s charitable projects and stressed the need to set aside political differences for the common good.
Trump’s Performance Garners Mixed Reactions
The Harris-Walz 2024 campaign was quick to criticize Trump’s performance. However, supporters in attendance praised Trump’s wit, with Mary Erdoes, Vice Chair of Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, suggesting a possible electoral victory for Trump.
Comedian Tackles Grandeur of Event
Jim Gaffigan, the dinner’s master of ceremonies, offered humor focusing on the wealth discrepancy of the attendees and cheekily poked fun at former first lady Melania Trump, tying it with religious teachings on forgiveness.
Trump Reveals Speechwriting Assistance
Adding to the controversy, Trump, during a subsequent appearance on Fox & Friends, confessed to receiving help from ‘a couple of people from Fox.’ He admitted that most of these jokes did not meet his approval, further stoking the flames of the already heated political discourse.
In closing, the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner once again served its purpose as a critical confluence of politics and charity. However, this year’s edition, marked equally by unprecedented absences and controversial speeches, has sparked new discussions about the political climate and the direction of future events.