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A communications expert called Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice to skip the Archdiocese of New York charity event, which all presidential candidates had attended save for Democratic nominee Walter Mondale in 1984, puzzling.
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A frequent attendee of Al Smith Dinners, Brian Browne, associate vice president of university communications and public affairs at St. John’s University, described it as a great, great event that pits this year’s contenders for the presidential nomination of each primary party against last year’s winner, former president Donald Trump. Millions are usually raised for the underprivileged by the festivities.
According to Crux, Browne said that Harris wouldn’t be put in any awkward situations during the event—something her campaign has been trying to avoid. Additionally, he said, it would allow her to interact with the mostly Catholic and well-to-do crowd, which might help her politically.
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Browne noted that being the Democratic candidate, access would likely be provided to some of the best joke writers from both the East and West Coasts, eager for the chance to craft a script. The event was described as highly scripted, and it was mentioned that she appeared to rely heavily on a teleprompter, which aligned with the nature of the occasion. While the possibility of receiving groans for jokes that may not resonate was acknowledged, it was suggested that the risk of being booed off stage or heckled was minimal, as the event was characterized as one of unity.
He described it as a missed opportunity to showcase a more human side and unite for a charitable cause. Further advice would have been given to reconsider the decision, had the speaker been able to counsel her. Additionally, He also mentioned that the event, already considered special, becomes even more significant when both presidential contenders are present.
The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, hosted by the Archdiocese of New York, raises millions of dollars for Catholic Charities and is traditionally an evening where candidates set aside their differences and come together for a charitable cause.
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Browne, who also teaches in the Department of Government and Politics at St. John’s University, believes that Harris’s decision to skip the event is a lost opportunity for the American people to see both presidential candidates engaging in a more casual, friendly environment during a very contentious campaign season.
Browne emphasized that while the event is indeed a significant Catholic gathering and a charitable occasion benefiting Catholic Charities, which serve all individuals, the focus, in his view, was more on the human element. It was pointed out that the event provides an opportunity for public officials to display humor and humility, while also maintaining a sense of cordiality and civility simultaneously.
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