## Catholic Voters Up for Grabs in 2024: Trump Courts, Harris Snubs, and the Stakes Are High
The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a tight race, and the Catholic vote is emerging as a critical battleground. With significant Catholic populations in key swing states like Pennsylvania and Arizona, both campaigns are vying for the support of this influential demographic.
Former President Donald Trump, known for his outspokenness on social issues, has been actively courting Catholic voters. His strategy includes publicly expressing support for Catholic values and beliefs, using platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social to disseminate pro-Catholic messages. Trump has also made a point of attending events with strong Catholic ties, including the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a prestigious event that raises funds for Catholic charities.
However, Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for president, faces increasing criticism from the Catholic community. Her past statements and actions, particularly her history of questioning judicial nominees about their affiliation with the Knights of Columbus, a prominent Catholic fraternal organization, have raised concerns about her stance on Catholic values. The Catholic Church has viewed abortion as a moral evil and grave sin, and only acknowledges marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Harris’s vocal support for abortion rights, which she has championed by visiting a Planned Parenthood facility, has further alienated some Catholics who believe her positions are out of step with their faith.
The recent snub of the Al Smith Dinner by Vice President Harris has further inflamed tensions. Her decision to skip the event, traditionally attended by presidential candidates from both parties, in favor of a pre-recorded video and a campaign rally in Wisconsin has been widely interpreted as a sign of disrespect towards the Catholic community. The video featuring Harris and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Molly Shannon, who reprised her comedic role of a Catholic school student, was met with criticism, with even the emcee of the dinner, comedian Jim Gaffigan, calling out Harris for her absence. This decision, combined with her previous remarks and actions, has led to a growing perception within the Catholic community that Harris is not in tune with their values.
“While President Trump fiercely defended religious freedom in his first term, the Harris-Biden administration is the most anti-Catholic administration in history. Kamala Harris has weaponized institutions against Americans of faith, and now, her disrespect and hostility has continued to her campaign for president with her most prominent surrogates mocking Catholic Americans,” stated Anna Kelly, RNC spokesperson, to Fox News Digital.
Experts believe that Harris’s history of anti-Catholic rhetoric could be a factor against her in the voting booth. Catholic League President Bill Donohue emphasized that Harris’s snub of the Al Smith dinner sent “an unmistakable message to Catholics.” This sentiment is echoed by Republican strategist Ryan Girdusky, a Catholic himself, who believes that Harris needs to win over “seldom Catholic mass goers and Hispanic Catholic mass goers” to compensate for potential losses among White Catholic voters.
The Catholic vote has historically been a stronghold of the Democratic party, but recent trends show a growing shift towards the Republicans. This shift can be attributed to a range of factors, including the prominence of social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, as well as economic concerns. Trump’s appeal to Catholic voters on social issues has further solidified his position within this demographic, while Harris’s perceived hostility towards Catholic values may be hindering her ability to gain traction.
The upcoming election promises to be a fierce battle for the hearts and minds of Catholic voters. Trump’s focus on Catholic values and his outreach to this community have created a formidable challenge for Harris, who needs to win over a significant portion of the Catholic vote to secure victory. As the campaign progresses, the Catholic vote will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.