Trump is going to Al Smith dinner and Harris will be in a video.

Welcome to the annual Al Smith charity dinner, where politics, humor, and fundraising collide in a spectacular event that aims to raise millions for Catholic charities. This year’s headliner is none other than former President Donald Trump, who will be making a highly anticipated appearance after an eventful history at the dinner.

The Al Smith charity dinner is a white tie affair held in New York that brings together political figures, business leaders, and entertainers for an evening of good-natured ribbing and camaraderie. It’s a chance for candidates from both parties to set aside their differences, if only for one night, and show that they can share a stage with their opponents in a spirit of unity.

Former President Trump will be accompanied by his wife, Melania, marking a rare public appearance together since the Republican convention in July. The seating chart reveals that embattled New York Mayor Eric Adams will also be in attendance, despite facing recent legal challenges related to campaign contributions.

The star-studded event will be emceed by comedian Jim Gaffigan and promises an evening of laughter and goodwill, all in the name of supporting Catholic charities in New York. Ticket prices for the sold-out dinner start at $5,000 per attendee, with all proceeds going toward charitable causes.

One notable absence at the event will be Vice President Kamala Harris, who will be making a virtual appearance due to campaign commitments in battleground states. Former President Trump took to social media to criticize her decision, sparking controversy over her non-attendance.

Trump’s previous appearance at the Al Smith dinner in 2016 was marked by a pointed and at times contentious speech directed at his opponent, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The evening saw both candidates trading barbs and jabs, with Trump’s remarks drawing both laughter and jeers from the audience.

Despite the lighthearted nature of the event, past Al Smith dinners have seen candidates using the platform to deliver serious messages to voters. In 2020, both Trump and now-President Biden spoke at a virtual version of the fundraiser, focusing on issues important to Catholic voters and their respective campaigns.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a prominent figure in the dinner’s organization, offered a reminder to both candidates about the legacy of Al Smith as a “happy warrior” who never let defeat sour his spirit. The event itself is a longstanding tradition that dates back to the historic 1960 appearance of Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, solidifying its place in American political history.

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner pays tribute to the legacy of Governor Al Smith, the first Catholic to receive a major party’s nomination for president in 1928. The event has seen its share of controversies and high-profile absences over the years, underscoring its significance in the political landscape.

As the evening unfolds with a mix of comedy, charity, and political camaraderie, all eyes will be on former President Trump as he takes the stage once again at the Al Smith charity dinner, setting the stage for yet another memorable chapter in this storied tradition.