Barbs were flying at Thursday night’s Al Smith dinner in New York as former President Donald Trump used the typically self-deprecating event to unleash a series of criticisms against his Democratic opponents. Vice President Harris — who refused to show up in person but sent a video message instead — and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, were not exempt from Trump’s jabs.
He ridiculed Walz for his perceived emasculated mannerisms and criticized Harris for her seemingly erratic campaign stops. Recently, Harris appeared alongside Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who faced backlash last week for appearing to mock the Catholic ritual of communion by feeding a Doritos chip to a podcaster. After being criticized for the stunt, Whitmer issued a profuse apology, claiming it was intended to promote the Biden-Harris administration’s CHIPS Act, an excuse only her supporters actually believe.
“I must say I was shocked when I heard that Kamala was skipping the Al Smith dinner. I’d really hoped that she would come because we can’t get enough of hearing her beautiful laugh. She laughs like crazy — we would all recognize it anywhere in this room,” he prefaced. “All polls indicate I’m leading big with the Catholic vote, as I should be. But I don’t think Kamala has given up. She has, instead of attending tonight, she’s in Michigan receiving communion from Gretchen Whitmer.”
WATCH:
NEW: Trump says Kamala Harris couldn’t show up to the Al Smith dinner because she is busy getting communion from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer went viral for feeding a chip to a begging feminist on her knees last week.
Lmao. pic.twitter.com/qhCesVTf8U
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 18, 2024
Other notable guests seated on stage largely smiled politely or shook their heads, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, as Trump held court. He criticized Harris and Walz for veering far to the left earlier in their political careers. “Unfortunately Governor Walz isn’t here himself, but don’t worry, he’ll say that he was,” Trump started, taking a shot at Walz for his previous, and false, insistence that he fought in active combat. “I used to think the Democrats were crazy for saying that men had periods, but then I met Tim Walz.” The crowd roared.
WATCH:
?TRUMP: “Unfortunately Governor Walz isn’t here himself, but don’t worry, he’ll say that he was. I used to think the democrats were crazy for saying that men had periods, but then I met Tim Walz.” LOL!?? pic.twitter.com/nPHRGOJrHQ
— Autism Capital ? (@AutismCapital) October 18, 2024
Both Harris and Walz have provided Republicans with ample ammunition after just over two months on the campaign trail. The first 30 days included a notable media blackout for the vice president, followed by a joint interview with Walz, who has brought his own series of controversies to the ticket. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) has led the charge in accusing the Minnesota governor of “stolen valor” for promoting a military title that was later rescinded due to his refusal to fight in Iraq. Walz’s stuttering and ill-prepared performance at the vice presidential debate also undermined Democrats’ confidence in their ticket, prompting Harris to conduct a series of hastily arranged interviews, including one with Fox News.
In contrast, Trump is now stepping back from interview requests, opting instead to speak freely at podiums where he can address any topic without interruption. He is no longer constrained by the “honeymoon” period that Harris enjoyed, which seems to have waned since the Democratic National Convention in August. Currently, political betting markets and recent polls are predicting that the former president will reclaim the White House.
