Thursday, October 20, 2016

Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump: Final Face-Off at the Al Smith Dinner

The 71st Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, held at the Waldorf Astoria, is an annual fundraiser benefiting Catholic Charities.  It is sponsored by the foundation and hosted by the Archbishop of New York.  This year's host was Timothy Cardinal Dolan.

Al Smith was a four-term New York governor and the first Catholic candidate for president. Every four years, this hot ticket dinner is the last venue for presidential candidates to share space, rub elbows with influential New York leaders, and exchange good-natured barbs.  Candidates do not always attend, but this year - this very contentious year - they both did.

Here are both speeches. Donald "won the coin toss" and spoke first. Many of his comments were downright bad hombre nasty. Only Hillary referred to Pope Francis. She retweets him often. @Pontifex.




Read the Transcript of Hillary Clinton’s Speech at the Al Smith Dinner


Trump referred to the Cardinal's "property" on 5th Avenue.  My great-grandfather supplied the granite for St. Patrick's from his Westchester quarry.  Instead of poking fun at himself (the tradition) Trump poked fun at his wife for her purloined, plagiarized speech.

Here are some pics from the event. 
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Yes.  That is Mary Higgins Clark.  This is a HUGE Irish-American event. 
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera
And, yes, Hillary very graciously greeted Melania Trump.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera

Cardinal Dolan helped Hillary into her seat.  Donald Trump helped himself into his seat and let his wife fend for herself.  Whatta gent!!!!
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Hillary took most of Trump's barbs with good humor.
KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera
Some of them were pretty nasty from a bad hombre!
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Hillary remained good-natured.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
The  it was Hillary's turn to speak.   She was very funny.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera
Alfred E. Smith IV is on the right.  Great-grandson of the great Alfred E. Smith.
KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera
After the Cardinal's benediction, the event ended.  The Trumps exited the Waldorf ASAP.  Hillary had a lot of people she had to speak with.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Alfred E. Smith IV and Governor Cuomo, a Westchester neighbor.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
A handshake with Trump.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Melissa Mark-Viverito.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Chris Matthews and former police commish Ray Kelly.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Henry Kissinger, who attends every year and is a major donor.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Uncle Joe Biden would call this a big effing deal, and it is.  It was. Heartfelt thanks to the Smith family and foundation for their wonderful work and to His Eminence, Cardinal  Dolan, for hosting the candidates this crazy election year.  Big KUDOS to Hillary for being so funny. 


Are you with Hillary?  Let her know with a donation!

stand2