Trump’s Roast Session at the Al Smith Dinner
At the 79th Alfred E. Smith charity dinner in New York City last evening, the elites set aside political differences for a good cause and shared laughs often by being the butt of jokes by Donald Trump.
Trump was the dinner’s featured speaker, and he used his moment to poke fun at his critics and mock his own shortcomings. In his opening remarks, Trump addressed the crowd, saying, “It’s a true pleasure to be with you this evening … it’s really a pleasure [to be] anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance. Anytime I don’t get a subpoena, I’m very happy.”
Before Trump’s address, a pre-recorded message by Kamala Harris was played. Harris skipped attending the dinner, which Trump capitalized on during his speech as “disrespectful to the Catholic community” and for breaking presidential tradition. “If you really wanted Vice President Harris to accept your invitation, I guess you should’ve told her the funds were going to bail out the looters and rioters in Minneapolis. She would’ve been here — guarantee, she would’ve been here,” Trump said.
Harris’s video message was interrupted by actress Molly Shannon, reprising her Saturday Night Live role as Mary Katherine Gallagher, a Catholic schoolgirl. The interruption portrayed Mary Katherine advising Harris on what to say to the guests, harkening to have Harris as president due to her femininity. (READ MORE: Kamala Smart to Skip Al Smith Dinner)
Mary Katherine does a dramatic monologue for Harris, stating that “a woman brings more heart, more compassion, and think how smart she must be to become a top contender in the field dominated by men. It’s time for a woman, bro!”
Harris continues after Mary Katherine’s appearance, commenting on the good work the Catholic church does for the community. Quoting a passage from Luke, she expressed hope that the night’s dinner would “recommit to reaching across divides, to seek understanding, and common ground. In honor of the great Al Smith, let us fight to build a better future with faith in God, our country, and in each other.”
Comedian Jim Gaffigan, who notably plays the role of Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live skits, emceed the night. Gaffigan snubbed Harris’s absence: “Twenty-two percent of Americans identify as Catholic. Catholics will be a key demographic in every battleground state. I’m sorry, why is Vice President Harris not here?”
The crowd had a mixed reaction to Gaffigan’s comment, to which he responded, “I mean, consider this: this is a room full of Catholics and Jews in New York City. This is a layup for the Democratic nominee.”
Compilations of Trump’s roasts are trending across various social media platforms. Colin Rugg, a political personality and co-founder of Trending Politics, praised Trump’s speech and compiled some of his top jokes, which included snubs at Doug Emhoff’s past affair with his children’s nanny.
Donald Trump held nothing back at the Al Smith dinner in New York, even joking about Kamala Harris’ husband’s “nanny issue.”
Here are his top jokes of the night:
5. Trump said he didn’t realize men could get periods until he saw Tim Walz.
4. Trump says he has to wrap up his… pic.twitter.com/tQq9Hu5143
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 18, 2024
Since 1946, the Al Smith dinner has hosted a “who’s who” of current political, business, and cultural figures. The night honors Smith for his contributions as one of three New York governors elected to serve four terms. Smith was also the first Roman Catholic to run for president in 1928 but lost to Republican Herbert Hoover.
The Al Smith dinner has in the past featured prominent figures including former Presidents Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
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