US Election 2024 Live Updates: Trump criticise Kamala’s absence at Al Smith Dinner, calls it ‘deeply disrespectful’ – The Times of India

US Election 2024 Live: Trump pokes fun at Harris and Adams in light-hearted speech at Al Smith Charity Gala

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump took the opportunity to make light-hearted jabs at his political opponents while addressing the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York City on Thursday night. The event, which raises funds for Catholic charities, has long been a tradition where candidates from both sides can engage in playful banter.

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,” referencing his ongoing legal troubles. His comment was met with chuckles from the crowd, which included many of the city’s elite.

During his speech, Trump also poked fun at embattled New York Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing federal corruption charges, saying, “Good luck with everything,” in a tone that blended humour with sharp undertones.

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

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

Not one to hold back, Trump continued with a more controversial joke, suggesting Harris might have attended if the charitable funds had been earmarked for “the looters and rioters in Minneapolis”—a reference to the 2020 racial justice protests. The remark led to boos from parts of the audience.

In attendance with Trump was his wife, former first lady Melania Trump, making a rare political appearance alongside him. It was their first time together at such an event since the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Despite the event’s tradition of light-hearted self-deprecation, Trump struggled to poke fun at himself. “Tradition holds that I’m supposed to tell you a few self-deprecating jokes this evening,” he admitted. “Nope, I’ve got nothing,” a statement that drew mixed reactions from the crowd.

The dinner, however, is more than just an opportunity for political jabs. With Catholic voters being a key swing constituency, Trump sought to shore up support. Polls released this week show him leading Harris among Catholic voters in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania by a margin of 5 per cent.

As the race between Trump and Harris remains tight, with the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Harris slightly ahead at 45 per cent to Trump’s 42 per cent, events like the Al Smith dinner serve as vital moments for both candidates to connect with voters and energize their base.