At the 79th annual Al Smith dinner, former President Donald Trump used his platform to hurl insults and attacks at various targets, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio, drawing some groans and boos from the audience. Harris, who did not attend the dinner, responded to Trump in a video that included some light-hearted jabs at the former president. The dinner, named after a New York governor who championed progressive causes, is a fundraiser for Catholic charities and an opportunity for presidential candidates to showcase their humor and engage in bipartisan banter.
In his speech, Trump criticized Harris for various reasons, including her late entry into the race and the way she laughs. He also referred to DeBlasio as the “worst mayor” New York has ever had. Trump, who was convicted in a hush money case and faces multiple investigations, expressed his disregard for the legal issues against him. Despite saying he would tell self-deprecating jokes, he quickly abandoned the idea, citing ongoing challenges facing the nation.
Harris’s video response, featuring comedian Molly Shannon, made light of various topics, including Trump’s protests of the 2020 election results. The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner is known for providing a platform where candidates can poke fun at themselves and their opponents in a bipartisan manner. The event has seen notable moments, including a humorous exchange between Barack Obama and John McCain in 2008, and Trump’s more pointed attacks on Hillary Clinton in 2016.
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