[CedarDave]

Because it breached the unspoken but time honored rules of the Al Smith Dinner, the performance was cringe worthy.

When a gaffe confirms a narrative, it is potentially much more damaging.

Ed Rollins (former Reagan advisor) was just on Varney and having attended the dinner said pretty much the same thing. The upshot was that the commenters say that Trump treated this as just another rally which he shouldn't have.
(Not agreeing or disagreeing - just reporting)

[CedarDave]

More saying the same - Chris Wallace on with Varney - say’s Trump went over the line last night.