Vice President Kamala Harris made a strategic move to connect with Black churchgoers in Georgia just days after a contentious encounter with Christian protesters.
According to Fox News, Harris visited two Black churches near Atlanta on Sunday as part of the "Souls to the Polls" initiative.
This outreach effort comes on the heels of a controversial incident where Harris told Christian protesters they were "at the wrong rally" during a campaign stop in Wisconsin.
The vice president's church visits coincided with her 60th birthday celebration. At New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, the congregation sang "Happy Birthday" to Harris before she addressed them.
During her speeches at both churches, Harris emphasized themes of unity and leadership, contrasting her message with that of her opponent, former President Donald Trump. Harris stated:
In this moment, across our nation, what we do see are some who try to deepen division among us, spread hate, sow fear and cause chaos. There are those who suggest that the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down instead of what we know, which is the true measure of the strength of a leader, is based on who you lift up.
Harris went on to describe her vision of leadership, stating that true strength is measured by who a leader lifts up, rather than who they "beat down."
At Divine Faith Ministries International in Jonesboro, Harris was serenaded by Stevie Wonder. She reiterated her message about the importance of kindness and support in leadership, framing the upcoming election as a crucial moment for the country's values.
The church visits come in the wake of two incidents that sparked debate among Christian voters. Last week, Harris told pro-life student protesters that they were "at the wrong rally" when they shouted, "Jesus is Lord" and "Christ is King" during a Wisconsin campaign event.
Additionally, Harris opted to skip the Al Smith dinner, a traditional Catholic charity event and campaign stop for presidential nominees. Instead, she sent a video message that reportedly received a lukewarm reception. These events have led to criticism from some quarters, with Republican Senator JD Vance expressing concern about what he called Harris' "anti-Christian rhetoric and anti-Christian approach to public policy."
The engagement of faith voters has become a critical aspect of the 2024 election campaign. Both the Democratic and Republican camps are making concerted efforts to appeal to various religious constituencies.
The Democratic National Committee launched its own "Souls to the Polls" program, with civil rights activist Martin Luther King III endorsing Harris and criticizing Trump's impact on Black America. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign has initiated a "Believers for Trump" initiative, which includes outreach to Black voters, a demographic where the former president has made some inroads despite traditionally supporting Democrats.
Harris' visits to Black churches in Georgia highlight the ongoing importance of faith communities in American politics. As the election draws nearer, both major parties are intensifying their efforts to engage with religious voters across various denominations.
The vice president's recent actions underscore the delicate balance candidates must strike when addressing faith issues on the campaign trail. With just over two weeks until Election Day, Harris and her team are clearly focused on solidifying support among key Democratic constituencies, particularly Black voters who have historically played a crucial role in the party's success.
