A Great Tradition

The Al Smith Dinner is a great American tradition. It benefits charities in New York and is named after the first Catholic presidential candidate, Alfred E. Smith.

Every four years, both presidential candidates attend the dinner and joke about each other. It’s an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to come together before the election for a good cause and to have some fun.

Carol and I are on the road speaking at a conference in Colorado Springs with Dr. James Dobson and dozens of other Christian and conservative leaders. But we managed to catch the Al Smith Dinner last night. Donald Trump had some of the best lines I have ever heard. Here are just a few.

“It is a true pleasure to be with you this evening... and these days, it’s really a pleasure ANYWHERE in New York without a subpoena for my appearance.”

“Unfortunately, Governor Walz isn’t here himself. But don’t worry, he’ll say that he was.”

“Chuck Schumer is here looking very glum. . . But look on the bright side, Chuck, considering how woke your party has become, if Kamala loses, you still have a chance to become the first woman president.”

“I hear that Kamala and her husband carve out some really beautiful alone time at the end of the day for an intimate dinner. Just Doug, her, and the teleprompter.”

“All polls are indicating I’m leading big with the Catholic vote, as I should be, but I don’t think Kamala has given up yet. Instead of attending tonight, she’s in Michigan receiving communion from Gretchen Whitmer.”

After what was undoubtedly a late evening, Donald Trump was up early this morning for a 45-minute appearance on Fox & Friends.

For whatever reason, Kamala Harris did not attend this year’s dinner. She is the first presidential candidate to skip the Al Smith Dinner since Walter Mondale in 1984. And we all know how that election turned out for him!

She did, however, send a pre-taped message. Oddly, she chose to rehash a 30 year-old Saturday Night Live skit that many feel is offensive to Catholics.