At the annual Alfred E. Smith Foundation Dinner in New York City, attendees were treated to an unexpected guest: Mary Katherine Gallagher, a beloved character created by Molly Shannon on Saturday Night Live. This high-profile charity event usually attracts politicians from both major parties, serving as a neutral platform for presidential hopefuls to poke fun at each other and themselves.
Although Kamala Harris, the current vice president, did not attend the dinner in person—unlike her Republican opponent Donald Trump—she submitted a virtual message. While recording her speech, Harris was playfully interrupted by Shannon, who brought back her iconic character. Mary Katherine quipped that the Al Smith Dinner is "one of the biggest dinners, next to the Last Supper" for Catholics, and showcased her quirky habit of sniffing her fingers after putting her hands under her armpits.
After establishing her presence, Harris sought Mary Katherine's advice on what to say. In a humorous moment, Mary Katherine declared that her thoughts could best be expressed through a monologue inspired by a favorite show. She passionately stated, "We need a woman to represent us... A woman brings heart and compassion." She underscored the importance of female leadership, asserting, "With this woman, we can soar!"
When Harris asked which show she was referencing, Mary Katherine revealed it was from House of the Dragon, currently streaming on HBO Max. The playful banter continued as Mary Katherine inquired if Harris felt bothered by Trump's frequent insults. Harris wisely replied, "Always remember: You define who you are."
In a lighthearted twist, Mary Katherine quoted Taylor Swift, saying, "Haters gonna hate, hate, hate. Shake it off!" Harris nodded in agreement. Eventually, an aide arrived to escort Mary Katherine away, but not before she left with her trademark line. "One last thing! Don’t forget to say: Superstar!" she exclaimed, striking her iconic pose and adding, "Thank you, Mamala."