Molly Shannon’s Mary Katherine Gallagher Steals the Spotlight During Kamala Harris’ Virtual Speech at Al Smith Charity Dinner
The annual Al Smith charity dinner is a revered event that brings together political leaders and public figures for a night of humor and philanthropy. This year’s dinner featured a particularly memorable moment when Molly Shannon, reprising her role as Mary Katherine Gallagher, interrupted Vice President Kamala Harris’ virtual speech. While Harris was unable to attend the event in person due to campaign commitments in Wisconsin, her speech took an unexpected and comedic turn, thanks to the quirky and beloved character from Saturday Night Live.
A Quirky Start to a Serious Speech
As Kamala Harris began her virtual address, the evening took a surprising twist when Mary Katherine Gallagher, the awkward Catholic schoolgirl character known for her nervous energy and over-the-top monologues, ran across the screen behind Harris. The scene was reminiscent of Gallagher’s best moments on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where she frequently delivered cringe-worthy but endearing performances.
Harris, clearly amused and confused, stopped mid-speech to inquire, “Who was that?” before Gallagher officially introduced herself. “I just want to say that I’m Catholic, and tonight is one of the biggest dinners next to the Last Supper,” Gallagher declared, setting the tone for what was to be a hilarious yet unexpected exchange between the vice president and Shannon’s iconic character.
Kamala Harris Engages with Mary Katherine Gallagher
Rather than brushing off the interruption, Harris embraced the comedic interlude, interacting with Gallagher in a way that delighted viewers. As Harris tried to regain control of her speech, she asked Gallagher if she had any advice on what to say during her address. In classic Mary Katherine fashion, Gallagher responded, “My feelings about what you should say tonight would be best expressed in a monologue from one of my favorite made-for-TV series.”
What followed was a tongue-in-cheek performance from Gallagher, referencing the hit show House of the Dragon. “Don’t you see, man, we need a woman to represent us,” Gallagher passionately proclaimed. “A woman brings more heart, more compassion, and think how smart she must be to become a top contender in a field dominated by men. It’s time for a woman, bro, and with this woman, we can fly.”
Harris, attempting to understand the unexpected show reference, asked, “What show was that from?” Gallagher replied, “Oh, that’s from House of the Dragon, now streaming on HBO Max,” leaving Harris momentarily puzzled but good-naturedly playing along.
A Balance of Comedy and Insightful Dialogue
The exchange between Harris and Gallagher wasn’t solely for laughs. Gallagher offered some serious advice too, even reminding the vice president not to lie, as “Jesus will be fact-checking.” The humor resonated with the audience, but it also reflected a more grounded message about integrity, particularly in the realm of politics.
Gallagher also cheekily warned Harris to avoid saying anything negative about Catholics during her speech. Harris responded graciously, assuring Gallagher that she would never criticize the Catholic Church, drawing a clever comparison to “criticizing Detroit in Detroit” – a thinly veiled reference to Donald Trump’s comments during his recent campaign stop in Michigan.
As the conversation drew to a close, Gallagher asked Harris if she was bothered by Trump’s frequent insults. Harris offered a wise response: “It’s very important to always remember you should never let anyone tell you who you are. You tell them who you are.” Gallagher responded with a pop culture nod, adding, “Hater’s going to hate, hate, hate, shake it off,” quoting Taylor Swift.
Harris Returns to the Al Smith Dinner’s Purpose
While the playful banter between Harris and Gallagher provided levity, the vice president smoothly transitioned back to the importance of the Al Smith charity dinner. She highlighted the dinner’s purpose of bridging political divides and supporting charitable work within the Catholic community.
“The Al Smith dinner provides a rare opportunity to set aside partisanship and come together to do some good by supporting the tremendous charitable work of the Catholic Church,” Harris stated. She acknowledged the Church’s dedication to caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, and offering housing and education to those in need. Harris also praised the Church’s relief efforts during times of disaster, noting its ability to not only provide essential supplies but also offer hope.
Quoting from the Gospel of Luke, Harris reflected on the power of faith to guide people toward peace and unity. “The Gospel of Luke tells us that faith has the power to shine a light on those living in darkness and to guide our feet in the path of peace,” she said. Harris called for a renewed commitment to seeking understanding and common ground, urging people to work together for the greater good.
Donald Trump Also Attends the Al Smith Dinner
Notably, Donald Trump was in attendance at the Al Smith dinner in New York, where millions of dollars were raised for Catholic charities. Although Harris and Trump were not physically present in the same room, their participation underscored the dinner’s tradition of fostering bipartisan goodwill.
Despite the light-hearted interruption from Gallagher, the evening remained focused on its core mission of philanthropy. The event continued to highlight the need for unity and compassion, values that both Harris and Gallagher championed in their own unique ways.
