Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism for skipping an important Catholic fundraising dinner in New York. While former President Donald Trump attended the event, Harris participated online. Trump called her absence disrespectful to the Catholic community, which is a significant voting group in the U.S.
This is the first time since 1984 that a major party candidate has missed this dinner. With 22% of Americans identifying as Catholic, their votes could be crucial, especially in swing states like Pennsylvania, where about 30% of voters are Catholic. Recent polls show Trump leading among Catholic voters in that state.
Harris’s team said she chose to focus on swing states instead of attending the dinner. However, this decision has raised questions about its impact on her campaign, particularly as Trump gains support among Catholic voters, compared to the balanced vote in 2020.
The situation is complicated by Trump’s ongoing legal issues, including a case about alleged election interference. A judge recently ruled against his request to keep some court documents private until after the election, which could affect his campaign.
Political experts highlight that Catholic voters are diverse; many white Catholics tend to support Trump, while Hispanic Catholics often favor Democrats. As both candidates work to win this key group, Harris’s choices and absence from important events could significantly influence her chances in the upcoming election.
