Most Savage Roasts Yet: Trump Tears Into Absent Kamala, Doug Emhoff, and Tim Walz in Front of Leading Democrats

At the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York City, named after the former Democratic governor and 1928 presidential candidate, it's tradition for both presidential contenders to make one of their last joint appearances before the election.

The last time both candidates were absent from this annual charity roast was back in 2004, when the head of the Archdiocese of New York decided not to invite nominees George W. Bush and John Kerry, citing “the divisive issues in the campaign” and concluding that including politics would "detract from the spirit of the event,” as reported by The New York Times.

This year, however, Vice President Kamala Harris chose not to attend in person, remaining on the campaign trail in battleground states where polls indicate a tight race, according to CBS News. Instead, she appeared briefly on screen via a recorded video. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her running mate, also didn’t make an appearance.

Whether this was a smart decision is up for debate. Trump showed up, and he brought along a barrage of pointed jabs targeting “White Dudes for Harris,” her husband, and her running mate’s attempts (and let’s emphasize attempts) to project non-toxic masculinity.

Trump didn’t hold back on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer either, joking that thanks to wokeness, there’s one last glass ceiling Schumer can still break: becoming the first female president.

But the biggest roast of the night came when Trump went after the awkward “White Dudes for Harris” movement.

“There’s a group called ‘White Dudes for Harris,’” Trump quipped. “Are some of you here?” The silence spoke volumes, as few in the room seemed willing to claim membership.

“But I’m not worried about them at all,” Trump added, “because their wives and their wives’ lovers are all voting for me.”

As for manliness, Trump went after Walz with this barb: “I used to think Democrats were crazy for saying that men have periods. But then I met Tim Walz.”

He didn’t stop there. Seated next to Trump during his remarks was Chuck Schumer, the subject of another stinger.

And then, there was Trump’s swipe at second gentleman Doug Emhoff, alluding to media underreporting on certain “toxic” male figures, particularly those in pursuit of an upgrade from second gentleman to first.

“A major issue in this race is childcare, and Kamala has put forward a concept of a plan,” Trump said, referencing a line from one of his debates.

“The only piece of advice I would have for her if she wins is to keep Doug away from the nannies.”

This was a jab at a rumor that Emhoff, while still married to his ex-wife, allegedly impregnated the nanny — an accusation he has yet to fully deny, and one the media has been notably quiet about.

You can check out the full speech here to see all of Trump’s punches:

Indeed, Trump’s remarks resonated because the media coverage of Harris and her campaign has largely been protective, allowing these issues to fly under the radar.

It’s hardly surprising that Harris and Walz decided to skip an event where they could face unsparing jabs, especially coming off a tough interview for Harris. Trump, unfiltered and unapologetic, was the last person they wanted to hear from.

The "White Dudes for Harris" angle sums up one of the Harris-Walz team’s biggest challenges: they’re struggling to connect with male voters. The "Man Enough" ad campaign didn’t land well, and Walz’s attempts to portray himself as a rugged, hunting-loving football coach haven’t hit the mark either. And Emhoff, their supposed ambassador of non-toxic masculinity, has his own, let’s say, complications in that department.

Funny enough, if Trump hadn’t pointed these things out during the dinner, it’s likely no one would have. And Kamala’s “say it to my face” rhetoric from when she was pushing for a debate? The Smith roast made it clear she’s not quite as eager for a confrontation as she once suggested.