NYC Gazette

Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, said that Kamala Harris's decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner could significantly influence Catholic voters to support Donald Trump. This statement was made on X on October 10th.

"The Kamala Harris snub of the Al Smith event could provide exactly the motivation for Catholics to recognize her unfortunate and long-standing disrespect for Catholics," said Cortes. "There are material polling signs that show the Catholic vote – the decisive swing vote in this election – is shifting back to President Trump and away from Kamala Harris."

Practicing Catholic voters have historically played a crucial role in U.S. presidential elections. For instance, George W. Bush secured 57% of practicing Catholic votes in his 2000 and 2004 victories. In the upcoming 2024 election, these voters, particularly in key Rust Belt swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, may again be influential despite their declining numbers.

According to a recent Pew Research survey, White Catholics show strong support for Trump, with 61% favoring him. In contrast, 65% of Hispanic Catholics lean toward Harris. Among White Catholics who attend Mass regularly, there is a stronger tendency to support Trump compared to those who do not attend as frequently. Meanwhile, Harris garners support from Hispanic Catholics, reflecting broader Democratic support among minority Catholic groups.

As a U.S. Senator, Harris questioned judicial nominee Brian Buescher regarding his membership in the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic charitable organization. She expressed concerns about the group's traditional views on abortion and same-sex marriage and suggested that Buescher’s affiliation might bias his judicial decisions. This line of questioning drew criticism from Catholic leaders and conservatives who viewed it as religious discrimination and has contributed to Harris’s strained relationship with Catholic voters.

Harris chose not to attend this year's Al Smith Dinner, a prominent Catholic charity event held in New York. President Donald Trump attended the event which has traditionally been an opportunity to promote values of unity and charity according to Cardinal Timothy Dolan as reported by the National Catholic Register.