Vice President Kamala Harris likely damaged her relationship with Catholic voters by choosing not to attend the Al Smith Dinner in New York City, opting to send a controversial comedic video instead, The Western Journal reported.

Vice President Kamala Harris was notably absent from the recent Al Smith Dinner, an event often referred to as the "Catholic Met Gala." Instead of appearing in person at this significant gathering in New York City, Harris chose to send a video message that has since stirred considerable backlash among Catholic communities and beyond.

The video featured actress Molly Shannon reprising her role as Mary Katherine Gallagher, a character from the 1990s who portrays a Catholic schoolgirl.

Some viewers found the video to be in questionable taste, especially considering it included Gallagher interrupting Harris’s speech with a comment comparing the dinner to the Last Supper.

Harsh Backlash from the Catholic Community

This portrayal and the remarks within the video were quickly criticized as disrespectful. Online commentators and Catholic viewers expressed their disappointment and outrage, describing the skit as "blasphemous" and "cringe-worthy." This incident seems to have exacerbated existing concerns about the Vice President's connection with Catholic voters.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who co-chairs Harris' campaign, was also recently embroiled in controversy over a separate incident. The campaign released a video featuring a mock communion with Doritos, which also faced immediate backlash.

This mounting series of contentious incidents has sparked discussions about perceived anti-Catholic sentiments within the Democratic Party.

Critiques Spread Across Social Media

Social media responses were swift and severe. On X, previously known as Twitter, users voiced their frustration. One anonymous Catholic posted, "Yep. Every bit as cringe and blasphemous as Gretchen Whitmer’s Dorito Eucharist. There is nothing genuine with Kamala." Another remarked on the tastelessness of the propaganda, calling it "embarrassing" and "sad."

A poll conducted by the National Catholic Reporter suggests that these incidents have had electoral implications, indicating that President Trump currently leads among Catholic voters in seven swing states. Trump himself commented on Harris' absence from the Al Smith Dinner, suggesting her campaign was instead focused on events in Michigan.

Responses at the Al Smith Dinner

At the dinner itself, comedian Jim Gaffigan, who served as the event's emcee, did not shy away from addressing Harris' absence. Initially, he noted the dinner's cultural significance, likening it to the "Catholic Met Gala," and stressed the importance of the Catholic demographic, which makes up 22 percent of American voters.

Later, reacting to the video, he compared it to an underwhelming family moment: "As I watched that, I couldn’t help but think of, now I know how my kids felt when I FaceTimed into a piano recital they were at."

Despite the widespread criticism, there are segments of the Catholic community, notably among Latino voters, that continue to express significant support for Harris. This demographic could be crucial in tight electoral contests.

Exploring the Political Repercussions

The unfolding reaction to Vice President Harris' choice not to attend the Al Smith Dinner and to send a controversial video in her stead continues to ripple through the public and media.

Dr. Taylor Marshall, a prominent Catholic figure on social media, summed up the sentiment of many by questioning, "Why did Kamala just purposely offend every Catholic in the United States?"

As the 2024 election approaches, Harris' team might need to navigate these troubled waters carefully, addressing the grievances of a potentially crucial voter segment while maintaining their broader campaign strategy.

The events of this dinner and their fallout are a poignant reminder of the intricate dance between politics and public perception. In the complex landscape of American politics, every action and every word counts, especially when they touch upon deeply held beliefs and traditions.