Why Kamala Harris Is Skipping the Al Smith Dinner? by Phil Lawler

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture, Sept. 24, 2024

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org

Why did Kamala Harris decline an invitation to speak at the Al Smith dinner?

The reason given by her campaign staff—that she needs to spend the time campaigning in the key “battleground” states—can be quickly dismissed as unconvincing. The most remarkable characteristic of the Harris campaign has been the candidate’s reluctance to appear on the campaign trail, except in carefully scripted events. At first glance the Al Smith dinner might look like an ideal opportunity in that respect; there would be no tough questions, only a lighthearted speech, which speechwriters could prepare in advance.

But take a closer look. If she were to appear at table alongside the cardinal-archbishop of New York, swapping jokes, no reporter could fail to comment on the incongruity of the situation. When political pundits look at Cardinal Dolan—or at the Catholic Church in general—they immediately think of opposition to abortion. Vice President Harris is, of course, a zealous proponent of unrestricted abortion on demand. Yet any mention of their differences on that topic would ruin the congenial atmosphere of the dinner. Her most avid supporters would be disappointed if Harris failed to confront the cardinal; yet she would offend against civility, and lose the sympathy of many Catholic Democrats, if she did. …

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