It’s not the Academy Awards, the Grammy’s, or even the State of the Union address.
But the The Al Smith Dinner is a D.C. tradition that attracts a lot of connections from both the political and entertainment world, while raising money for the good causes initiated by the Catholic church.
During last’s night’s annual dinner, Donald Trump headlined a lineup of dignitaries from the world of politics and entertainment that provided a belly full of laughs (at the expense of Kamala Harris), and may have just tipped the scales of young voters in Trump’s favor come November.
Here’s a recap of some of the night’s most memorable hot takes.
For starters, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris was not in attendance. And her absence was the focal point of many speakers.
For instance, comedian and master of ceremonies Jim Gaffigan’s took time to zing Harris for not coming to the event.
Jim Gaffigan just roasted Kamala Harris for skipping the Al Smith dinner:
"She did find time to appear on The View, Howard Stern, Colbert and the longtime staple of campaigning, the Call Her Daddy podcastpic.twitter.com/dFqlsmL3Dy
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 18, 2024
The Harris campaign did technically “show up.” But instead of coming in-person, Harris filmed a somewhat cringeworthy video of her with famed SNL character Mary Katherine Gallagher (played by Molly Shannon) saying what it “honor” it was to be part of the Al Smith Dinner.
Kamala sent an extremely unfunny video to the Al Smith Dinner featuring one of the worst SNL characters of all time.pic.twitter.com/wtYRhV9yG6
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 18, 2024
And then Trump took the stage, unleashing an epic series of digs and jokes over the course of his 25 minute speech.
He first took aim at Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz.
“I’d like to thank our M.C. this evening, Jim Gaffigan. Most recently, Jim has been playing Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live. That’ll be a very short gig, Jim, but it was fun while it lasted! Unfortunately, Governor Walz isn’t here himself. But don’t worry, he’ll say that he was.”
This of course is referring to accusations of Walz’ claims he fought in combat during his time in the military.
Al Smith Dinner In New York City: "I’d like to thank our M.C. this evening, Jim Gaffigan. Most recently, Jim has been playing Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live. That’ll be a very short gig, Jim, but it was fun while it lasted! Unfortunately, Governor Walz isn’t here himself. But… pic.twitter.com/EHwnInANoJ
— John Cremeans USA (@JohnCremeansUSA) October 18, 2024
But Trump held nothing back when he fired at Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was in attendance.
Chuck Schumer looks awkward as Trump roasts him at the Al Smith dinner.
“Chuck Schumer is here looking very glum…But look on the bright side Chuck considering how woke your party has become if Kamala loses you still have a chance to become the first woman president.” pic.twitter.com/xjdmKCusKK
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) October 18, 2024
Roasts, digs, and zingers like this are pretty par for the course at events like this. But the fact that Trump seemed to let his guard down and showcase his personality and joke-telling (even if they were potentially scripted) coupled with Kamala Harris’ absence (and video skit), let some to believe this could be a boon to Trump’s attempt to sway young voters ahead of the election.
Take this observation by Outkick founder and radio host Clay Travis who seemingly noted the potential consequence of Harris’ absence.
Whoever told Kamala not to do the Al Smith dinner should be fired. These Trump joke clips will spend the next week going viral with younger voters on social media. Trump isn’t just going to win, he may well win the popular vote too. She’s in deep trouble.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) October 18, 2024
Will it actually help Trump in November? Time will tell.
But, his jokes are a hot topic today.