K Harris – CNN 2024
As the sitting Vice President, Kamala Harris recently declined an invitation to the prestigious Al Smith Dinner in New York City, a charity event with deep ties to the Catholic Church. Her decision sparked numerous speculations, with many questioning whether it signals her disregard for Catholic values or simply her discomfort with off-the-cuff speaking. In either case, this move could have severe political consequences, particularly among Catholics and Christians, a voter base that is more influential than many recognize. Could Harris’ absence from the event alienate these critical groups, costing her and the Democratic ticket in the upcoming election?
The Al Smith Dinner: A Catholic Tradition
The Al Smith Dinner has long been a symbol of political civility and unity, bringing together prominent political figures and Catholic leaders. Established in honor of Alfred E. Smith, the first Catholic to be nominated for president, the event has traditionally been a platform for candidates and political leaders to showcase their ability to connect with religious communities while maintaining humor and grace. Declining such an invitation is unusual, particularly for a high-profile political figure like the sitting Vice President.
Why Harris’ Absence Stands Out
The absence of Kamala Harris at this event stands out for several reasons. First, it deviates from the norm; in the past, both Republicans and Democrats have made it a priority to attend, regardless of their personal religious affiliations. The event’s significance transcends religious lines, representing an opportunity to demonstrate respect for the Catholic community’s charitable work and moral influence.
Speculation is rife over why Harris opted to skip this important dinner. Some argue that Harris has a fraught relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly due to her positions on controversial issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage—stances that clash with Catholic doctrine. Others believe her decision may have been driven by a more practical concern: her well-documented difficulties with impromptu public speaking. Her reputation for delivering awkward, sometimes nonsensical “word salad” answers has made her handlers cautious about putting her in situations requiring spontaneity.
Kamala Harris and Catholic Values: A Tense Relationship?
Harris’ stance on key issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage places her at odds with many traditional Catholic values. The Catholic Church remains staunchly opposed to abortion and holds to a conservative definition of marriage. As a strong proponent of abortion rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Harris has often found herself in conflict with these views.
Some speculate that this ideological rift may be a driving force behind her decision to skip the event. After all, attending a Catholic event while holding positions antithetical to the Church’s teachings might feel hypocritical, or at least uncomfortable. This is not an entirely far-fetched theory. Throughout her political career, Harris has faced criticism from conservative religious groups who argue that her policies reflect a broader liberal agenda that is dismissive of religious freedoms and moral principles.
The Speaking Issue: Harris’ Struggles with Public Address
However, many observers suggest that Harris’ decision not to attend has less to do with her ideological differences and more to do with her weaknesses as a public speaker. Harris has, on numerous occasions, struggled to articulate her points clearly in unscripted moments. Her speeches are often filled with repetition, vague generalities, and nervous laughter—a pattern that has led to widespread criticism and mockery.
The Al Smith Dinner traditionally involves light-hearted speeches filled with humor and wit. For a politician like Harris, who is often stiff and uneasy in such settings, the pressure to perform could have been a major deterrent. It’s entirely possible that her handlers, aware of her vulnerabilities, advised her to avoid the event altogether. By skipping it, they might have thought they were avoiding an embarrassing moment that could have fueled further criticism of her speaking abilities.
A Missed Opportunity to Connect with Catholic and Christian Voters
Regardless of the reason behind Harris’ absence, the political fallout could be significant. The Catholic vote is not something any candidate can afford to ignore. Catholics make up approximately 20% of the U.S. population, and while the community is diverse, a substantial portion leans conservative, particularly on social issues like abortion. By skipping the Al Smith Dinner, Harris has potentially alienated a significant group of voters who might view her absence as a sign of disrespect or disinterest.
Moreover, the event is not only about connecting with Catholics. Many Christians, even those from different denominations, hold similar views on issues like abortion and traditional family values. These voters are often skeptical of politicians they perceive as dismissive of religious concerns. By opting out of the dinner, Harris may have reinforced the perception that the Democratic Party is out of touch with religious America—a narrative Republicans have been pushing for years.
The Broader Political Ramifications
Harris’ decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner could play into a broader narrative that may harm her in future elections. With President Biden’s age frequently cited as a concern, many voters are looking closely at Harris as the potential next leader of the Democratic Party. Her ability to connect with religious voters—particularly Catholics and Christians—will be crucial in any national campaign.
In 2020, Biden was able to appeal to many Catholic voters, partly because of his own Catholic faith, even though he holds some positions that diverge from Church teachings. Harris, however, does not have the benefit of shared religious identity. Her more liberal views on social issues, combined with a perceived disregard for important religious traditions like the Al Smith Dinner, could cost her and the Democratic Party dearly in the next election cycle.
Conclusion: A Potentially Fatal Mistake
Kamala Harris’ decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner may seem like a small, isolated choice, but it could have far-reaching consequences. Whether driven by ideological conflict or concerns about her public speaking abilities, her absence sends a message—one that could alienate Catholics and Christians who see the event as a bridge between faith and politics.
In an election that will likely be hard-fought and closely contested, every voting bloc counts. By turning her back on an opportunity to engage with a key segment of the electorate, Harris risks deepening the divide between herself and voters whose values she has already alienated. This could be a costly mistake for both her and the Democratic Party as they look toward the future.