The Al Smith dinner is a traditional charity dinner that has seen presidential candidates in the past come together in October of election years. Trump and Hillary attended in 2016 and Trump and Biden both by pre-recorded video (due to Covid) attended in 2020.
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Kamala teams says she won't attend.
From Grok:
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The Al Smith Dinner is an annual white-tie fundraiser dinner held by the Archdiocese of New York, traditionally taking place in October. Named after Alfred E. Smith, the first Catholic to run for U.S. president in 1928, this event is significant for several reasons:
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Political Tradition: It's known for bringing together political figures from across the aisle in a spirit of camaraderie. Both major U.S. presidential candidates are usually invited, and it often takes place during the campaign season, offering a lighter moment in the typically contentious election cycle.
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Humor: The dinner is famous for its roast-like atmosphere, where politicians, especially the presidential candidates, give humorous speeches about themselves and their opponents. This tradition highlights a more jovial side of politics, often showcasing the candidates' ability to take a joke and make light of the campaign process.
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Charity: Proceeds from the dinner go to various Catholic charities run by the Archdiocese of New York, supporting initiatives in healthcare, education, and social services.
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Location and Prestige: The dinner is held at venues like the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, adding to its prestige. Attendance is considered a mark of status and good humor in political circles.
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Historical Significance: Beyond its humorous aspect, the dinner symbolizes a moment of unity and respect across party lines, reflecting on shared American values.
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This event, while light-hearted, underscores the importance of charity, political civility, and the ability to find humor in oneself and one's opponents, which is quite rare in modern political discourse.