In a striking departure from tradition, former President Donald Trump was the only presidential hopeful attending the Al Smith Dinner this Thursday, marking a notable event for the bipartisan gathering.

The absence of Vice President Kamala Harris, who opted to send a pre-recorded message, was nearly unprecedented as it’s the first time a Democratic candidate has missed the dinner since 1984, as Breitbart reports.

The Al Smith Dinner is a prestigious annual event known for fostering unity and goodwill across political divides. It serves as a Catholic charity gala, aiming to bolster funds to support women and children in need.

This year, the dinner set an ambitious goal to raise $10 million for these causes.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan served as the master of ceremonies, bringing humor and levity to a night traditionally filled with gentle ribbing and light-hearted jesting between political rivals.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a notable figure leading the event, emphasized the inclusive nature of the dinner, describing it as “not red or blue” but “red, white, and blue.” Dolan further articulates the event's purpose by highlighting its patriotic roots and emphasis on stepping outside the political fray to focus on shared national values and humor.

Historic Break from Democratic Participation

This year's dinner highlighted a significant breach in the long-standing tradition of Democratic candidates attending the event. Kamala Harris’s decision to skip the dinner was noteworthy, as it marks the first absence by a Democrat in four decades. Her absence is particularly surprising given her advocacy for unity and dialogue across political lines.

Dolan noted his surprise regarding Harris’s absence, pointing out that the dinner seemed aligned with Harris's interests in promoting unity and goodwill.

"I really thought and I tried to press this, Jim, with their people," Dolan shared, emphasizing the alignment of the dinner's values with Harris's public stance.

Former President Trump’s attendance at the dinner set a different tone, as he became the sole presidential candidate to directly engage with the audience. His presence underscored the bipartisan spirit intended for the event while also placing him in a unique position amid the current political climate.

Preserving the Nonpartisan Spirit of the Event

Despite the political undertones, Dolan insisted on maintaining the event's neutral stance. He emphasizes that the dinner is not intended as a "campaign speech" or "stump speech," though he acknowledges candidates have previously used it for campaign-like purposes. Nevertheless, the core purpose remains focusing on camaraderie and statesmanship.

Dolan invoked the words of Ronald Reagan, expressing that the dinner stands as a rare occasion for politicians to adopt a more statesmanlike demeanor.

"Ronald Reagan’s line [was] the Al Smith dinner is the rare time where politicians act like statesmen," he referenced, articulating hopes that participants embrace a spirit of unity.

The event not only serves as a fundraising platform but also acts as a respite from the usual political turbulence, encouraging candidates to step away from partisanship momentarily. Its aim remains deeply entrenched in charity, humor, and patriotism.

Ceremonial Master of Humor Leads Evening

With Jim Gaffigan leading the festivities, guests enjoyed an evening filled with humor that ties closely to the event's longstanding tradition of light-hearted dialogue.

Gaffigan’s involvement continued the dinner's reputation for injecting comedy into the proceedings, allowing political figures to momentarily put aside differences.

The Al Smith Dinner remains a showcase event, reflecting both the nation's unwavering commitment to charity and the enduring capacity to look beyond policy divides, if only for an evening.

As the evening unfolded, the dinner sought to not only meet its fundraising goals but also to exemplify the potential for collaboration and dialogue beyond party lines. This year, in particular, it signaled a moment of reflection on bipartisan involvement amid shifting political landscapes.