Vice President Kamala Harris faces a steep uphill battle in her attempts to win over Christian voters, particularly Catholics, as her past actions and current political stances continue to alienate this crucial demographic.
At a Glance
- Harris is polling worse than President Biden among Catholic voters, a significant voting block
- Her past questioning of judicial nominees’ Catholic affiliations has contributed to negative perceptions
- Harris’ support for abortion rights and gender ideology conflicts with traditional Christian values
- Critics argue her recent outreach efforts to Christian voters are disingenuous
- The use of the term “Jezebel spirit” by some Christian nationalists to describe Harris has sparked controversy
Harris’ Struggle with Catholic Voters
Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself in a precarious position with Catholic voters, a demographic that has proven pivotal in recent elections. Her approval ratings among this group have dipped below those of President Joe Biden, signaling potential trouble for the administration in key battleground states with substantial Catholic populations.
“Kamala’s definitely been impacted negatively by a lack of support from Catholic voters,” said Ryan Girdusky, a GOP strategist and Catholic. “She’s polling worse than Joe Biden among a very important demographic. They are the largest single church in America, the Catholic vote will help decide the presidency.”
Harris’ relationship with Catholic voters has been strained by several factors, including her past questioning of judicial nominees about their Catholic affiliations and her criticism of the Knights of Columbus, a prominent Catholic organization. These actions have not gone unnoticed by Catholic leaders and voters alike.
Controversial Outreach Efforts
In an attempt to bridge the growing divide, Harris has launched outreach initiatives aimed at Christian voters. However, these efforts, including her “souls to the polls” campaign and visits to churches in Georgia, have been met with significant skepticism and ridicule online.
Critics argue that Harris’ support for abortion rights and gender ideology fundamentally conflicts with traditional Christian values, making her outreach appear disingenuous. Franklin Graham, son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, expressed strong opposition to Harris’ efforts:
“My father was a strong conservative all of his life, theologically as well as politically. He would have never voted for or supported someone like Kamala Harris — someone who is almost anti-Christ in her positions. She has done nothing to support people of faith and what we believe and what we stand for.”
The “Jezebel Spirit” Controversy
Adding to the complex relationship between Harris and Christian voters is the emergence of rhetoric from some Christian nationalist leaders labeling her as being under the influence of a “Jezebel spirit.” This term, with its roots in biblical history, has been used to paint Harris in a negative light.
“People … are hearing this woman is possessed by a demonic spirit that is hardcore, terrible, hates men, hates authority, is going to do whatever she wants to do” said Anthea Butler, highlighting the dangerous implications of such rhetoric.
The use of this term has sparked controversy due to its historical use as a means to demean Black women and its potential to incite real-world aggression. Critics argue that such language is not only inappropriate but potentially dangerous in the current political climate.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’ ability to connect with Christian voters, particularly Catholics, remains a significant challenge. Her past actions and current policy positions continue to create barriers, while her outreach efforts are viewed with skepticism by many within the Christian community.
The administration’s strategy moving forward will likely need to address these concerns head-on if they hope to make inroads with this crucial voting bloc. However, bridging the ideological divide between Harris’ progressive stances and traditional Christian values may prove to be a formidable task in the months ahead.
Kamala Harris exposes her vile hatred toward Christians once again by ridiculing a rallygoer for invoking the name of God.
“JESUS IS LORD!”
KAMALA: “You are at the wrong rally.” pic.twitter.com/wzY5ya6DDR
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) October 18, 2024
