This episode takes its title from the Annual Catholic charity dinner named in honor of Al Smith. Al Smith was born and raised an Irish Catholic in the 4th ward of New York City. A Democrat, he was the first Catholic elected governor of any state and was the first Catholic to run for president. Known as The Happy Warrior, he was less than happy when he carried only eight states in the election. He then went on to serve as the public head of the company that built the Empire State Building. Many of the programs started by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first hundred days were copied directly from programs originated by Al Smith for New York State during his term as governor.
As the candidates are walking down the halls near the end, the lighting is reflective of their parties. Santos is walking down a hallway that has bluish lighting, and there are flashing red lights behind Vinick.
In this episode Alan Alda calls Donna Moss Tippi Hedren. In the episode Life on Mars (2003) She refers to herself as Tippi Hedren when she's being stalked by a bird.