Critics slam Harris over “horrifying” pre-recorded video aired during a Catholic charity dinner

Conservatives and critics on social media slammed Vice President Kamala Harris over her “chilling” pre-recorded video message sent to the audience at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation's 79th Dinner on Thursday night after she failed to attend the event in person to participate.

“Kamala Harris releases her pre-recorded video for the Al Smith dinner in New York, which she didn't show up for. Comedian Jim Gaffigan poked fun at the vice president after the crowd gave a somber applause at the end. Shudder,” trending Politics co-owner Colin Rugg posted in the X of Harris video.

The Al Smith Dinner is a bipartisan charity dinner that has become a political and cultural hallmark of the election season, as nominees from both political parties have always attended the event to exchange ideas in a lighthearted manner.

Harris skipped the event — the first time a candidate had done so since failed Democratic nominee Walter Mondale in 1984 — and instead sent dinner organizers a video to broadcast to the audience. The video also featured comedian Molly Shannon, who reprized her “Saturday Night Live” character Mary Katherine Gallagher, a quirky Catholic student. Former President Donald Trump attended the event and was the keynote speaker.

HARRIS virtually attends Catholic charity dinner headlined by rival Trump

A video of US Vice President Kamala Harris plays on the screen, while former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump with his wife Melania Trump, Archbishop of New York Timothy M. Dolan, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and many Politicians in attendance attend the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation's 79th Annual Dinner at the Hilton Midtown in New York, October 17, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

“I just want to say that I'm Catholic and tonight is one of the biggest dinners next to the Last Supper,” Shannon, dressed as Mary Katherine Gallagher, told Harris in the video.

“It's a very important dinner and it's an important tradition that I'm so proud to be a part of,” Harris replied, before Shannon exhibited her character's signature strange behavior by putting her hands under her armpits and smelling them.

“Is there anything you think I should perhaps not address tonight?” Harris asked.

“Well, don’t lie. “You shall not bear false witness to your neighbor,” replied Shannon.

“Indeed. “Especially your neighbor’s election results,” Harris said, taking a swipe at Trump.

COMEDIAN JIM GAFFIGAN TAKES A SURPRISING SHOT ON HARRIS FOR SPRAYING THE “CATHOLIC MET GALA.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris speaks via a recorded video message during the Alfred E. Smith Foundation's annual dinner at the New York Hilton Midtown on October 17, 2024 in New York City. Comedian Jim Gaffigan is the master of ceremonies at the 79th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. The dinner, a white-tie charity event benefiting Catholic Charities, is known for politicians poking fun at each other. The foundation honors the late Alfred E. Smith, former governor of New York and America's first Catholic presidential candidate. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Shannon's character advised Harris not to “say anything negative about Catholics” before asking her, “Does it bother you that this Trump guy insults you all the time?” Because it really bothers my friends and me.”

“Oh, Mary Katherine, it is very important to always remember this. You should never let anyone tell you who you are. You tell them who you are,” Harris said.

Critics, including members of the Trump team, criticized the video on social media.

KAMALA HARRIS plans to skip the historic Al Smith dinner despite a long-standing tradition

The dinner's host, comedian Jim Gaffigan, even joked after the video was shown to the audience that he wasn't sure if the attendees supported her video and message.

“I don’t even know what kind of noise you’re making,” Gaffigan said. “Something like ahhhhh.”

“As I was watching this, I thought of this: Now I know how my kids felt when… I FaceTimed into a piano recital they were at,” he continued.

TRUMP WELCOMES THE CATHOLIC GROUP'S MILLION-WILL ANTI-HARRIS CAMPAIGN THAT ATTACKS THE CHURCH'S BELIEVERS

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and comedian Jim Gaffigan attend the Alfred E. Smith Foundation Annual Dinner at the New York Hilton Midtown on October 17, 2024 in New York City . Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump was the keynote speaker, with Gaffigan as master of ceremonies, at the 79th annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation dinner. The dinner, a white-tie charity event benefiting Catholic Charities, is known for politicians poking fun at each other. The foundation honors the late Alfred E. Smith, former governor of New York and America's first Catholic presidential candidate. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Supporters of Harris praised the video as a “must watch” on social media, while others praised her for skipping dinner.

Former President Donald Trump took shots at Harris during his remarks, including her absence from the historic dinner.

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the 79th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner at the Hilton Midtown in New York on March 17, 2020 . October 2024. (Photo by Timothy A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

“If you really wanted Vice President Harris to accept your invitation, you probably should have told her that the funds were intended to save the looters and rioters in Minneapolis and she would have been here guaranteed. She would have been guaranteed that.” Trump took a dig at Harris, citing her promotion of a bail fund during the 2020 unrest.

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump raises his fist as he and his wife Melania Trump attend the 79th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner at the Hilton Midtown on October 17, 2024 in New York. (Photo by Timothy A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

“I have to say I was shocked when I heard Kamala skipped the Al Smith dinner. I was really hoping you would come because we can't get enough of hearing her beautiful laugh. She laughs like crazy,” Trump joked at another point.

Harris concluded her video with a serious note in which she also referenced the Gospel of Luke.

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“The Gospel of Luke tells us that faith has the power to shine a light on those who live in darkness and to guide our feet onto the path of peace. In the spirit of tonight's dinner, let us recommit ourselves to reaching across divides and seeking understanding and commonality. And in honor of the great Al Smith, we fight to build a better future with faith in God, our country and each other,” she said.

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