Cardinal Dolan says Trump, Clinton were actually 'very friendly' at Al Smith Dinner
The Al Smith Dinner, a white-tie charity event hosted by the archbishop of New York, is a big deal every four years, when, traditionally, both major-party presidential candidates show up to mock themselves and roast their opponent. This year is different, because Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton both call New York home and also because the tenor of the campaign is unusually nasty, and Trump's speech drew jeers and boos when he stepped over the line in jabbing at Clinton. Clinton landed some pretty good verbal punches, too. After the event, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who sat between the two at the dinner, called his seat "the iciest place on the planet."
But maybe that was just in the jocular spirit of the event, named after the first Catholic ever nominated for president. After all, after roasting each other, Clinton and Trump did shake hands — unlike at their debate just 24 hours earlier.
"I was very moved by their interaction together around me, they were very friendly, very uplifting, very complimentary to one another," Dolan told Fox News after the dinner. "I thought the evening accomplished its goals." Reporter Bryan Llenas asked if the cardinal didn't think some of the jokes went too far, and he shrugged. "Ah, who knows? Humor. To each his own, it's a matter of taste…. The fact that we're together, the fact that they shake hands at the end and say, 'see you on the campaign trail,' that's not bad."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Dolan, sadly, did not explain what was going on here. Peter Weber
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 16, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - pointed commentary, Haiti in trouble, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 hilarious cartoons about the RNC's MAGA takeover
Cartoons Artists take on RNC funding, Lara Trump, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Trump's presidential run: a bad bet for Republicans?
Talking Point The GOP is taking a 'big gamble' on former president's 2024 White House bid
By The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
South Korea passes law banning sale and production of dog meat
Speed Read Rare bipartisan support 'highlights changing attitudes' as young people shun centuries-old tradition
By The Week UK Published
-
Out of touch: Daryl Hall obtains restraining order against bandmate John Oates
Speed Read Lawsuit reveals unharmonious relationship between most commercially successful duo in pop history
By Jamie Timson, The Week UK Published
-
Singer Cassie accuses music mogul Diddy of decade of rape and abuse
Speed Read Rapper denies claims in lawsuit describing him as a 'serial domestic abuser'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Bad Bunny joins in criticism of AI music
Speed Read Concern growing in music industry over generative learning, unauthorised impersonations and copyright issues
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published