Kamala Harris to skip traditional Al Smith dinner, first time presidential candidate has ducked charity event since 1984

Vice President Kamala Harris is skipping this year’s Archdiocese of New York’s annual Al Smith Dinner — a major annual fundraiser for local Catholic charities — becoming the first presidential hopeful to duck out since failed Vice Presidential candidate Walter Mondale in 1984.Harris bailed on the 79th iteration of the dinner on Oct.17, and instead will focus her attention on key battleground states on the final stretch before election day, her campaign told The Post.It has been a tradition for both presidential candidates to attend the dinner since Richard Nixon and John F.

Kennedy appeared together in 1960.Archdiocese spokesperson Joseph Zwillng told The Post they learned that Harris would not be there on Saturday.“We are disappointed that she will not be with us, as this is an evening of unity and putting aside political differences in support of a good cause of helping women and children in need regardless of race, creed, or background.“We hope she reconsiders,” he added.Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has since reached out to the Archdiocese and confirmed he will be in attendance, according to Zwilling....