Al Smith

2024 - 10 - 18

Trump Takes Aim: Al Smith Dinner Roasts, Booze, and Blunders!

Al Smith Dinner 2023 - Donald Trump - Kamala Harris - New York charities - political roast

Was the Al Smith dinner a charity gala or a roast for Trump? Spoiler alert: it's both!

At the Annual Al Smith Dinner in New York City, former President Donald Trump delivered a headline-grabbing performance that was part roast, part political jab. Known for his fiery rhetoric, Trump didn’t hold back as he took repeated shots at Vice President Kamala Harris, who opted out of the gathering to campaign in far-off Wisconsin. "I’m here, she’s not," Trump quipped, prompting a mix of laughter and groans from the audience. The event, renowned for its lighthearted banter and charitable spirit, saw Trump throw down a few jabs at not just his fellow political rivals but also stand-up comedy itself, saying, “I don’t give a s--t if this is comedy or not,” during his remarks about Bill de Blasio.

The Al Smith Dinner, a staple in New York’s political landscape, raises millions for Catholic charities. Traditionally, it allows candidates from both parties a chance to roast each other while raising funds for a good cause. This year, while Trump certainly brought the heat, he ended his evening with a nod to his wife Melania, thanking her for her support, leaving many to wonder if her silence from the limelight lately has something to do with her viewing habits during this spicy dinner.

Meanwhile, Harris countered Trump’s jabs by sending a pre-recorded message featuring some help from an iconic comedian from Saturday Night Live. Her absence marked a departure from the dinner's longstanding tradition of both parties attending the gala in person to engage in merriment—and a little madness. The Vice President’s video addressed issues facing the nation but was perceived by many as a missed opportunity to stand up to Trump’s taunts directly.

As the night wore on, the audience witnessed more than just political exchanges; they experienced the kind of roasting that had the crowd chuckling, cringing, and at times outright booing. Trump’s eccentric style left many attendees wondering if they were at a charity gala or a stand-up comedy show!

Interestingly, the recorded messages have become a new norm for the Al Smith Dinner, which tries to blend humor and political discourse while raising funds for charity. This year, over $5 million was raised during the gala, showcasing the event’s robust charitable spirit despite the comic bickering. And if you think Trump is the only one with a keen sense of humor, think again! Kamala Harris's pre-recorded roast showcased just how politically charged humor can be—a reminder that laughter, like politics, can often be polarizing!

So whether you’re Team Trump or a staunch Harris supporter, one thing is clear: the Al Smith Dinner continues to be a smorgasbord of political wit and charity, with a side of reality TV-style drama that keeps everyone on their toes!

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Image courtesy of "Newsweek"

Donald Trump booed at Al Smith dinner (Newsweek)

The former president attacked VP Harris with a series of one-liners at the annual charity gala in New York City.

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Image courtesy of "Axios"

Trump at Al Smith dinner wishes indicted NYC Mayor Adams "good ... (Axios)

"I don't give a s--t if this is comedy or not. He was a terrible mayor," Trump said of de Blasio, who was also at the Al Smith dinner.

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Image courtesy of "Politico"

Adams is the butt of Al Smith jokes (Politico)

With Timmy Facciola. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during an interview. “I've never met a person who's a vegan who ...

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Image courtesy of "13newsnow.com WVEC"

Trump delivers a pointed and at times bitter speech at Al Smith ... (13newsnow.com WVEC)

The Al Smith dinner raises millions for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Harris roasts Trump with help from SNL icon in pre-recorded speech ... (The Independent)

The vice president skipped the star-studded charity dinner in New York to campaign in Wisconsin.

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

Trump thanks Melania at the Al Smith dinner in New York City (NBC News)

Now Playing · UP NEXT · Trump jabs Harris for not attending Al Smith charity dinner · Elon Musk promotes election fraud conspiracy theories at Pennsylvania rally.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Beast"

Trump Blows a Gasket at Harris' 'Very Disrespectful' Al Smith Dinner ... (Daily Beast)

The vice president took several shots at Trump in her recorded contribution to the roast.

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Image courtesy of "Newsweek"

Who attended the Al Smith dinner—and who was roasted? (Newsweek)

While Vice President Kamala Harris didn't attend the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York last night, there were plenty of famous faces ...

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Image courtesy of "Crux: Covering all things Catholic"

In Harris's absence at Al Smith dinner, Trump vies for the Catholic vote (Crux: Covering all things Catholic)

Former President Donald Trump used the Al Smith dinner to highlight Vice President Kamala Harris' “deeply disrespectful” decision to skip the event in ...

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Image courtesy of "Times of India"

What was the Al Smith Charity Gala attended by Trump? (Times of India)

The 79th Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner at the New York Hilton Midtown featured Donald Trump as the keynote speaker and raised funds for Ca.

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Image courtesy of "WKYC.com"

Trump delivers a pointed and at times bitter speech at Al Smith ... (WKYC.com)

The Al Smith dinner raises millions for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC New York"

'I'm here, she's not': Trump delivers at times bitter speech at Al Smith ... (NBC New York)

'I'm here, she's not': Trump delivers at times bitter speech at Al Smith charity dinner · Trump was joined at the dinner by his wife, Melania, who has been an ...

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Image courtesy of "India Today"

Kamala Harris skips Al Smith Dinner, sends 'cringe' video message ... (India Today)

Vice President Kamala Harris broke a longstanding tradition by not attending the Al Smith Dinner, opting instead to send a pre-recorded video message.

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Reporter"

Trump targets Democrats at Al Smith dinner as Harris responds in ... (National Catholic Reporter)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump arrive for the 79th annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial ...

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Trump reveals 'people from Fox' helped him write Al Smith dinner ... (CNN)

Former President Donald Trump said Friday that Fox News staffers helped him write his speech for the Al Smith charity dinner, in which he cracked jokes and ...

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Best, Worst and Most Awkward Lines at the Al Smith Dinner (The New York Times)

Former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris both delivered remarks to the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, Ms. Harris in a ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Al Smith dinner: Four gags from Trump and Harris (BBC News)

Donald Trump cracked jokes and Kamala Harris sent a video skit - but both tried to score political points.

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Image courtesy of "MSNBC"

Trump says Fox voices helped write his controversial Al Smith remarks (MSNBC)

In a moment of accidental candor, Trump peeled back a curtain and acknowledged that "a couple people from Fox" helped him write jokes for the Al Smith ...

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Trump Among New York's Elites at the Al Smith Dinner: It Got Awkward (The New York Times)

There were grudge matches and sycophancy in equal measure at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. “Isn't it just exciting, what's going on,” ...

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Trending moments from the Al Smith dinner: Trump quips about ... (USA TODAY)

Donald Trump appeared at a New York charity dinner known for its good humored talks. He attacked Harris and himself in these trending moments.

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Trump says Fox writers wrote some of his jokes at Al Smith dinner ... (CNN)

In an interview on “Fox and Friends,” former President Donald Trump said that Fox News staffers helped him write his speech for the Al Smith charity dinner, ...

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Image courtesy of "Catholic News Agency"

Trump, Gaffigan roast Harris for skipping at Al Smith charity dinner (Catholic News Agency)

My opponent feels like she does not have to be here, which is deeply disrespectful to the event and in particular to our great Catholic community,” Trump ...

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Image courtesy of "Newsweek"

'The View' hosts slam Trump's appearance at Al Smith dinner ... (Newsweek)

"The View" hosts criticized the Al Smith dinner for inviting former President Donald Trump, arguing it should have excluded him.

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Image courtesy of "Spectrum News NY1"

Trump says he got help from 'a couple of people' at Fox News with ... (Spectrum News NY1)

Hours after lobbing a number of below-the-belt insults at the Al Smith charity dinner in New York, former President Donald Trump took to Fox News on Friday ...

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Fox News Denies Donald Trump Claim That Fox Staff Wrote Jokes ... (Variety)

Fox News denied Donald Trump's claim that "a couple of people" from the network wrote jokes for his Al Smith Dinner speech.

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Image courtesy of "Semafor"

Trump asked 'Gutfeld!' comedian for Al Smith dinner help but didn't ... (Semafor)

Trump said he had asked some staffers at Fox News for writing help, but Semafor has learned he was likely referring to the conservative radio host, ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Trump, Gaffigan Roast Harris for Skipping at Al Smith Charity Dinner (National Catholic Register)

Former president Donald Trump and comedian Jim Gaffigan took jabs at Vice President Kamala Harris during the annual Al Smith dinner for her decision to skip ...

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Image courtesy of "My catholic standard"

2024 Al Smith dinner raises record $10 million, but decorum takes a ... (My catholic standard)

Running as the Democratic nominee for president, Smith lost that election to Republican Herbert Hoover. Starting in 1960, presidential candidates have been ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Trump claims people from Fox helped write his Al Smith dinner ... (The Independent)

Trump delivered remarks at the Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on Thursday evening, including jokes at the expense of his Democratic rival Kamala ...

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Image courtesy of "Angelus News"

At Al Smith dinner, Trump vies for the Catholic vote (Angelus News)

Amid executives, journalists and current and former political allies and adversaries, former President Donald Trump used the podium at the 79th Al Smith ...

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