The Alfred E. Smith dinner showcases a rare solo performance by Trump while Harris opts for campaign duties in Wisconsin

A longstanding tradition of presidential candidate appearances at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner continued in New York City on Thursday night, but this year marked a notable departure from the norm. For the first time in 40 years, only one candidate graced the stage: former President Donald Trump. Attending with his wife Melania, Trump embraced the spirit of the event while making light-hearted jabs, including some directed at Vice President Kamala Harris, who was noticeably absent.

Harris, who opted to campaign in Wisconsin instead, sent a video message to the gathering. The Vice President’s decision to forgo the annual charity dinner was made public last month, with her campaign emphasising the importance of maximising her time in battleground states as the election date draws closer. “She is going to be campaigning in a battleground state that day,” a campaign official told ABC News.

During the event, Trump deftly navigated between humour and his usual campaign rhetoric. He acknowledged the tradition of self-deprecating jokes at the dinner but playfully confessed to the audience, “Ah, I got nothing,” before launching into his characteristic comedic style. As the evening unfolded, he did not shy away from poking fun at Harris, illustrating the ongoing rivalry between the two candidates.

In her pre-recorded video, Harris made a memorable appearance alongside Molly Shannon, who portrayed the beloved “Saturday Night Live” character Mary Katherine Gallagher. The comedic exchange was both light-hearted and pointed, as Harris sought advice on how to address the Catholic gathering. “Is there anything that you think that maybe I shouldn’t bring up tonight?” she asked Mary Katherine, to which the character replied with a wry, “Um, well, don’t lie.”

Harris played along, referencing the biblical commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness to thy neighbour.” In a clever twist, Mary Katherine responded, “Indeed, especially thy neighbour’s election results,” drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

While Trump commanded the stage in person, Harris’s video contribution served as a reminder of her absence from a key political event and her commitment to engaging directly with voters in critical states. The night was marked by laughter and banter, but the undertones of a fierce election battle were palpable as both candidates continued to assert their presence in the lead-up to November.

The Alfred E. Smith Dinner has been a staple in the political calendar since 1960, drawing candidates and supporters together in a spirit of camaraderie and goodwill. Despite the humorous atmosphere, the event underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election, with both candidates vying for the support of a nation divided on key issues.

With Trump making the most of the platform and Harris focusing on her campaign trail, both sides are strategising for what promises to be a highly contested race. The dinner not only showcased the personal dynamics between the candidates but also highlighted the shifting priorities as they head towards the final stretch of the campaign.