Al Smith Dinner Archives

Mattis: Nation must remember ‘core principles we used to know, live by’
- Oct 19, 2019
Now is the time to remember “the core principles we used to know and live by and that we now seem to have forgotten,” according to retired Marine Gen. James Mattis.

By Beth Griffin
Smith dinner’s tone lighthearted, but abuse crisis not ignored in remarks
- Oct 20, 2018
In the current toxic environment where political rivals describe each other as “evil” and “enemies,” it is imperative to remember that in America, “our political opponents are not evil, they are just our opponents,” according to Ambassador Nikki R. Haley.

By Beth Griffin
U.S. bishops weigh in on tax reform: Prioritize “the least of these”
- Oct 25, 2017
On Wednesday, the head of the USCCB’s committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development sent a letter to all members of congress urging that they prioritize protecting the poor and the family as they consider legislation to reform the country’s tax system. Republican leadership is hoping to pass tax reform on an ambitious timeline, before congress breaks for Thanksgiving.

By Christopher White

New York’s two Dolans now embody two different Americas

Feb 9, 2017

There are two Dolans in New York today, one the owner of basketball’s Knicks, James Dolan, and the other the city’s archbishop, Cardinal Timothy Dolan. They seem to embody two different Americas — one angry and confrontational, the other open and committed to friendship despite disagreements.

By John L. Allen Jr.

In debate over the Al Smith dinner, let’s not forget Al Smith

Oct 31, 2016

Sometimes lost in the shuffle in the debate over the Al Smith dinner is the fact that Smith himself is an inspiring role model worth recalling, in terms of his concern for immigrants and the poor, and as a symbol of Catholic emancipation in America, having blazed the trail for many other pioneers to follow.

By Robert Slayton

Dolan rejects conservative calls to scrap Al Smith dinner

Oct 28, 2016

In the face of calls from some Catholic conservatives to stop hosting the annual Al Smith dinner because it gives a platform to pro-choice candidates, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York said, “The event is great and nothing can ruin it … In my mind, it’s America and the Church at their best.”

By David Gibson