
Vice President Kamala Harris took a swipe at pro-life protesters during a Wisconsin rally Thursday, just hours before skipping the renowned Alfred E. Smith Catholic charity dinner—an event attended by every major-party presidential candidate since 1984.
At a Glance:
- Harris mocked two pro-life protesters at her Wisconsin rally, telling them they were “at the wrong rally” after they shouted “Jesus is Lord” during her speech on abortion rights.
- Hours later, Harris became the first major-party candidate in decades to skip the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a bipartisan Catholic charity event.
- Former President Donald Trump attended the dinner, delivering humorous remarks in line with the event’s tradition of light-hearted political jabs.
During her campaign stop in Wisconsin, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed her supporters with a message of expanding abortion rights, touting it as a fight for “freedom” and taking aim at former President Donald Trump for his role in appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. As she was speaking, two pro-life protesters, later identified as Lacrosse University students Luke Polaske and Grant Beth, interrupted her by shouting “Christ is King!” and “Jesus is Lord!”
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In response, Harris flashed a grin and quipped, “Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally,” drawing cheers from the crowd. She added, “I think you meant to go to the smaller one down the street,” referencing a Trump rally happening nearby. The brief exchange, while cheered by Harris supporters, ignited criticism on social media, particularly among conservative and Christian circles.
The Trump rally was bigger, by the way.
The protest incident came just hours before Harris chose to skip the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a prominent Catholic charity event that has raised millions for women and children in need since 1946. Her absence marks the first time since 1984 that a major-party presidential candidate has skipped the event. The dinner, known for its bipartisan tradition of humor and light political jabs, has long been a hallmark of election seasons.
Former President Donald Trump, on the other hand, attended the dinner and delivered humorous remarks in line with the event’s tone. Harris, meanwhile, recorded a video for the dinner, which comedian Jim Gaffigan, who performed at the event, criticized as lacking in humor.
Harris’ decision to skip the dinner, coupled with her dismissive remarks to Christian protesters, has fueled a wave of criticism among religious voters and conservatives, especially as she continues to advocate for expanded abortion access—a highly contentious issue within Catholic and Christian communities.
As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, Harris’ stance on abortion and her interactions with pro-life activists will likely remain a focal point of criticism from her opponents, particularly as Donald Trump continues to garner support among conservative voters.