2024 US Election Live Updates: Trump Criticizes Kamala’s Absence at Al Smith Dinner, Calls It ‘Deeply Disrespectful’

US election 2024 live: Trump makes fun of Harris and Adams in a light-hearted speech at the Al Smith Charity Gala

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump took the opportunity to take flippant swipes at his political opponents as he addressed the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York on Thursday evening. The event, which raises funds for Catholic Charities, has long been a tradition where candidates from both sides can engage in playful conversation.

Speaking at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Trump, known for his brash style, quipped: “It’s really a pleasure to be anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance,” citing his ongoing legal troubles. His comment was met with laughter from the crowd, which included many of the city’s elite members.

During his speech, Trump also mocked embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing federal corruption charges, saying in a tone that mixed humor with sharp undertones, “Good luck with everything.”

While Trump attended the gala in person, his opponent, Democrat Kamala Harris, skipped the event and opted to campaign in Wisconsin, a key swing state. Trump took the opportunity to denounce Harris for her absence, comparing her to Democrat Walter Mondale, who missed the dinner in 1984 and suffered a heavy defeat to Ronald Reagan. “It shows you there is a God,” Trump joked, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

However, Harris still made her presence known through a pre-recorded video in which she called for unity and understanding. “In the spirit of tonight’s dinner, let us recommit ourselves to reaching across divides and seeking understanding and common ground,” she said.

Trump didn’t hold back, continuing with a controversial joke in which he suggested that Harris might have attended if the fundraising money had been earmarked for “the looters and rioters in Minneapolis” – a reference to the 2020 racial justice protests The remark sparked boos from parts of the audience.

In addition to Trump, his wife, former first lady Melania Trump, was also present, making a rare political appearance alongside him. It was the first time they attended such an event together since the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Despite the event’s tradition of light-hearted self-deprecation, Trump struggled to make fun of himself. “Traditionally, I’m supposed to tell you a few self-deprecating jokes tonight,” he admitted. “Nope, I don’t have anything,” a statement that drew mixed reactions from the crowd.

But the dinner is more than just an opportunity for political banter. With Catholic voters a key swing constituency, Trump sought to shore up support. Polls released this week show him leading Harris by 5 percent among Catholic voters in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.

With the race between Trump and Harris still close and the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Harris at 45 percent, narrowly ahead of Trump at 42 percent, events like the Al Smith dinner are important moments for both candidates to to connect with voters and energize their base.