Kamala Harris to skip Al Smith dinner, a traditional event for major presidential candidates [Video]

Vice President Kamala Harris has made history as the first Black and South Asian woman to become the presidential nominee of a major party in the United States. (AP Video / Sept. 17, 2024)

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What to know about Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris has made history as the first Black and South Asian woman to become the presidential nominee of a major party in the United States. (AP Video / Sept. 17, 2024)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a rally, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

By Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris will skip this year’s Al Smith charity dinner in New York, breaking with presidential tradition so she can campaign instead in a battleground state less than three weeks before Election Day.

The dinner benefitting Catholic Charities traditionally has been used to promote collegiality and good humor, with presidential candidates from both parties appearing on the same night and trading barbs.

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