Kamala Harris faced backlash on social media for her pre-recorded video message shown at the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on Thursday evening.

The criticism intensified due to her absence from the event, a significant gathering that traditionally includes both major party nominees.

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The Al Smith Dinner is a bipartisan charity event that has become a hallmark of the election season, where nominees from both parties gather to share light-hearted jabs.

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This year, Harris’s decision to skip the dinner was notable, as it marked the first time a nominee has missed the event since failed Democratic nominee Walter Mondale in 1984.

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In a video broadcast to the audience, comedian Molly Shannon reprised her “Saturday Night Live” character Mary Katherine Gallagher, a quirky Catholic student.

During the video, Shannon stated, “I just want to say that I’m Catholic, and tonight is one of the biggest dinners next to the Last Supper.”

Harris responded, “It is a very important dinner, and it’s an important tradition that I’m so proud to be a part of.” Shannon then displayed her character’s hallmark odd behavior, sticking her hands under her armpits and smelling them.

The conversation included light-hearted banter, with Shannon advising Harris, “Well, don’t lie. Thou shall not bear false witness to thy neighbor.”

Harris replied, “Indeed. Especially thy neighbor’s election results,” seemingly referencing former President Donald Trump.

Following the video’s screening, critics on social media, including those from the Trump campaign, expressed their thoughts.

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Colin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, posted on X, “Kamala Harris releases her pre-recorded video for the Al Smith dinner in New York that she didn’t show up for. Comedian Jim Gaffigan made fun of the Vice President after the crowd gave a dismal applause once it ended. Cringe.”

The evening’s emcee, comedian Jim Gaffigan, quipped after the video, saying, “I don’t even know what that noise you’re making is,” in reference to the audience’s reaction. He added, “As I watched that, I couldn’t help but think of: Now I know how my kids felt when … I FaceTimed into a piano recital they were at.”

Despite the criticism, some supporters of Harris lauded the video on social media as a “must watch,” and others praised her for skipping the dinner.

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However, former President Trump seized the opportunity to target Harris during his remarks, highlighting her absence.

Trump remarked, “If you really wanted Vice President Harris to accept your invitation, I guess you should have told her the funds were going to bail out the looters and rioters in Minneapolis, and she would have been here, guaranteed.” He referenced her previous promotion of a bail fund during the 2020 riots.

Trump also humorously commented on Harris’s absence, saying, “I must say I was shocked when I heard that Kamala was skipping the Al Smith dinner. I’d really hoped that you would come because we can’t get enough of hearing her beautiful laugh. She laughs like crazy.”

In her video, Harris concluded with a message of unity, referencing the Gospel of Luke. “The Gospel of Luke tells us that faith has the power to shine a light on those living in darkness, and to guide our feet in the path of peace. In the spirit of tonight’s dinner, let us recommit to reaching across divides, to seek understanding and common ground. And in honor of the great Al Smith, let us fight to build a better future with faith in God, our country, and in each other,” she said.

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