Former President Donald Trump brought humor and reflection to the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner in New York, earning accolades from CNN's Brian Stelter despite recent attempts on his life.

While Trump's speech drew laughs and some positive remarks, it also sparked controversy due to his mispronunciation of Vice President Kamala Harris' name and her absence from the event, Fox News reported.

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, an annual white-tie event, traditionally invites high-profile political figures to share light-hearted jabs and thoughtful remarks. This year, Trump embraced the stage with a speech filled with humor, earning praise from Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst, for its comedic tone and emotional depth.

Trump's Humorous Speech Amid Difficult Times

Despite two recent assassination attempts, Trump managed to inject humor into his narrative during the speech. In July, he survived a shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, which left him with a wound to his ear. A subsequent attempt occurred in West Palm Beach, Florida, although no shots were fired.

Stelter commented on Trump's ability to remain humorous despite these incidents, suggesting the former president might be dealing with trauma or PTSD. His quip about self-deprecation took a lighter turn when he mentioned how others have been taking shots at him for a long time, a nod to the recent threats.

Nonetheless, Trump faced criticism for mispronouncing Kamala Harris’ name, which Stelter suggested was an intentional and racially charged move. The CNN analyst was particularly frustrated that Trump did not make an effort to pronounce the name correctly, pointing out the simplicity involved.

Vice President's Absence Prompts Mixed Reactions

Notably absent from the event was Vice President Kamala Harris, marking the first time in four decades that a major presidential contender skipped the dinner. Instead, Harris sent a prerecorded message, which aired before Trump's speech, drawing mixed reactions from those in attendance.

Social media commentators and attendees mocked the vice president's absence, prompting CNN contributor Karen Finney to step forward in her defense. Finney highlighted Harris' decision as a strategic campaign move, emphasizing her choice to engage with voters directly rather than attend the "stuffy" and traditional gathering.

Finney argued that Harris' decision to be out campaigning was wise, especially as someone who would be the first president with political experience spanning local, state, and federal levels. According to Finney, Harris had more to gain by being on the road, further connecting with the electorate.

Stelter Reflects On Trump's Traumatic Experiences

In reflecting on Trump's performance, Stelter acknowledged that he effectively capitalized on Harris' absence. He remarked that Trump's humor at the event was noteworthy, given Trump had recently faced shootings, though he remained critical of how Trump targeted Harris.

Stelter highlighted the complexity of Trump's experience with trauma from these assassination attempts, while also noting the former president's ability to maintain the room's enthusiasm. This duality left room for both admiration and critique among political commentators.

Meanwhile, not all CNN pundits shared Stelter’s view of Trump's amusing speech. Karen Finney expressed skepticism, pointing out the nature of the event as being predominantly insider-focused and not aligning with Harris' diverse background and political journey.

Mixed Reactions Highlight Larger Political Dynamics

The dinner stirred broader conversations about political dynamics and representation, with both the content of Trump's speech and Harris' strategic decision being focal points of debate. The polarizing reactions served to underline ongoing divisions within the political sphere.

Furthermore, the evening highlighted the contrasting approaches of traditional political gatherings and modern campaign strategies. Harris’ choice to bypass the historical event in favor of direct voter engagement represents a shift in priorities that resonates with various voter groups.

As the night unfolded, the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner showed its continued relevance as a forum for political commentary and critique, even as it adapts to the evolving landscape of U.S. politics. The juxtaposition of humor and controversy stood as a testament to the complexities faced by public figures in today's political climate.