Former President Donald Trump took a break from his usual rally appearances to showcase his comedic side at the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York. This event, which raises funds for Catholic charities, typically allows candidates from both parties to exchange light-hearted jokes and show that they can get along, at least for one night.
Trump was accompanied by his wife, Melania, who has not been very active on the campaign trail. The guest list included a mix of Trump supporters and detractors, such as New York Attorney General Letitia James, who had successfully sued Trump for civil fraud. The current New York Mayor, Eric Adams, was also in attendance, despite facing legal issues related to campaign contributions and trips.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan served as the emcee for the evening, adding humor to the event. Vice President Kamala Harris, who was campaigning in Wisconsin, appeared virtually in a recorded video alongside comedian Molly Shannon.
While Trump’s jokes were met with a mixed reception, his sense of humor has been a key part of his appeal to supporters. Despite his controversial remarks in previous years, Trump has also shown a willingness to poke fun at himself, adding a lighter touch to his public image.
The Al Smith charity dinner has a long history of hosting presidential candidates and has become a tradition in the lead-up to elections. Past attendees have included notable figures like Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the event.
Overall, the dinner provided a platform for both Trump and Harris to showcase their lighter sides and engage in some good-natured humor, setting aside political differences for a night of charity and camaraderie.
