Kamala Harris Faces Backlash from Christian Voters Over “Souls to the Polls” Initiative and Policy Conflicts

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Vice President Kamala Harris’s “Souls to the Polls” initiative backfires as Christian voters express concerns over policy conflicts and past statements.

At a Glance

  • Harris polls worse than Biden among Catholic voters, a crucial demographic in battleground states
  • Her past questioning of judicial nominees’ religious affiliations continues to influence current perceptions
  • Recent church outreach efforts have received mixed responses from religious communities
  • Critics argue Harris’s policy positions conflict with traditional religious teachings

Harris’s Catholic Voter Dilemma

Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself in hot water with Catholic voters, a demographic that could make or break the upcoming election. Recent polls show Harris lagging behind President Joe Biden in support from this crucial voting bloc, particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona. The Vice President’s absence from the traditional Al Smith Dinner, a significant event for presidential candidates, has only added fuel to the fire.

“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.”

Policy Tensions and Faith Communities

Harris’s legislative record, including her support for the Equality Act, has raised concerns about religious freedom among faith communities. Her past questioning of judicial nominees’ religious affiliations continues to cast a shadow over her current efforts to connect with religious voters. Senator Josh Hawley highlighted this issue, stating, “Senator Harris and others on this committee have repeatedly questioned judicial nominees fitness for office because of their membership in the Knights of Columbus.”

Critics argue that the Biden-Harris administration has been targeting traditional Catholics through federal law enforcement, further straining relations with religious voters. This perception has led to accusations that Democrats support Catholics aligned with their party’s teachings while suppressing those who adhere to traditional Catholic doctrines.

“Souls to the Polls” Initiative Faces Backlash

In an attempt to bridge the gap with Christian voters, Harris has launched the “Souls to the Polls” campaign, which includes visits to churches in key states. However, this initiative has been met with significant skepticism and ridicule online. A recent tweet by the Vice President about faith and voting received nearly 2 million views but fewer than 8,000 likes, indicating a lack of enthusiasm among her target audience.

Conservative commentators and Trump campaign advisers have mocked Harris’s efforts as disingenuous pandering. Franklin Graham, son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, stated, “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.”

Rhetoric and Religious Tensions

Adding to the controversy, some Christian nationalist leaders have employed inflammatory language, labeling Harris as being under the influence of a “Jezebel spirit.” This term, with its racist and misogynistic roots, has been used historically to demean Black women and imply demonic influence. Critics argue that such rhetoric is dangerous and could potentially incite real-world violence by justifying aggression against perceived demonic influences.

“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.

As the election approaches, the Vice President’s ability to navigate these complex religious and political tensions may prove crucial in securing support from faith communities. With Catholic voters playing decisive roles in recent presidential elections, Harris’s outreach efforts and their reception by religious voters will likely remain a focal point of political discourse in the coming months.

Sources:

  1. Kamala Harris’ years of public smears, snubs to Catholics leaves her underwater with critical voting bloc
  2. Harris’ attempt to pander to Christians after insulting them goes very badly: ‘You’re at the wrong rally’
  3. What’s a ‘Jezebel spirit’? Some Christians use the term to paint Kamala Harris with a demonic brush
  4. Harris puts the final nail in the coffin of Christian nationalism panic

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