Trump gets profane at Catholic charity dinner
The Republican nominee mocked Kamala Harris, her husband, her running mate, President Joe Biden and other Democrats
What happened
Donald Trump drew both applause and jeers for his pointed jokes at Thursday's Al Smith dinner, an annual white-tie charity event hosted by New York's Catholic archdiocese where the two main presidential candidates traditionally trade light ribbing shortly before an election. Vice President Kamala Harris gave her speech in a prerecorded video while she campaigned in Wisconsin.
Who said what
Trump "rushed through prepared remarks, stumbling at times as he read through pointed political jokes, bitter grievances and crude and at times profane personal attacks," The New York Times said. He "seemed most energized when he ditched his script, caught between being an insult comic or just being insulting."
Trump's tone "echoed his appearance in 2016," The Associated Press said, when his "particularly nasty" jabs at Hillary Clinton earned him angry boos. Trump mocked Harris, her husband, her running mate, President Joe Biden and other Democrats. He tried for a Biden-Harris twofer by saying the current White House occupant "can barely talk, barely put together two coherent sentences, who seems to have the mental faculties of a child" and "no intelligence whatsoever. But enough about Kamala Harris." In fact, The Washington Post said, "the only person off limits for Trump was himself."
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.
Harris' absence "robbed the event of some of its electricity," the Times said. Her video, featuring "sly" digs at Trump and a cameo by comedian Molly Shannon in her Catholic schoolgirl character Mary Katherine Gallagher, at times "fell flat" in the Manhattan ballroom.
What next?
Trump told Catholics that when they vote, "you better remember that I'm here and she's not." Harris' campaign told organizers she would appear at a future Al Smith dinner as president if she wins in November.
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.
-
Florida ordered to allow pro-abortion rights ads
Speed Read A federal judge in Florida ordered the DeSantis administration to stop threatening TV stations for running an abortion rights referendum ad
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Israel kills Hamas chief and alleged Oct. 7 mastermind
Speed Read Israeli troops in Gaza killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
What is Lammy hoping to achieve in China?
Today's Big Question Foreign secretary heads to Beijing as Labour seeks cooperation on global challenges and courts opportunities for trade and investment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Florida ordered to allow pro-abortion rights ads
Speed Read A federal judge in Florida ordered the DeSantis administration to stop threatening TV stations for running an abortion rights referendum ad
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Israel kills Hamas chief and alleged Oct. 7 mastermind
Speed Read Israeli troops in Gaza killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Second Amendment enthusiast Trump has little new to say on guns
The Explainer Trump opposes a ban on assault weapons and strengthening background checks, but supports teachers carrying weapons in school
By David Faris Published
-
'The next US president should rethink the program in its entirety'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Trump blames migrants for the housing crisis. Experts aren't so sure.
Talking Points Migrants need housing. They also build it.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Will Kamala Harris be a climate champion?
The Explainer How the vice president would tackle one of humanity's biggest challenges if elected
By David Faris Published
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Italy passes strict ban on international surrogacy
Speed Read illegal for Italians to use surrogate mothers abroad or work in foreign fertility clinics that facilitate such pregnancies
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published