The Republican National Committee (RNC) has vocally condemned a planned event organized by leftist groups in Green Bay, Wisconsin, designed to encourage voter turnout for the upcoming election. This “party at the polls” will take place near the “Spirit of the Northwest” statue and features promotions of “poll” dancers, which the RNC argues disrespects Catholic voters. The organizing groups describe the event as part of their Party to the Polls Purple Tour aimed at energizing early voters across the nation for the 2024 elections.
The details of the event highlight plans for a festive gathering complete with free food, music, and “surprise special guests” at polling locations. However, the RNC’s letter emphasizes the inappropriateness of combining entertainment—especially involving pole dancers—with a setting that holds cultural and religious significance. The statue in question honors both Native Americans and Father Claude Allouez, a Jesuit missionary seen as foundational to Catholicism in the Western United States. The RNC argues that the event’s scheduling and promotional language insult veterans of the faith and diminish the sanctity of a place meant to honor history and spirituality.
In its letter, the RNC presented its demand for the event’s cancellation, noting that it could violate local laws. Furthermore, they characterized the event as indecent, pointing out that a celebration of voting should not involve activities that detract from its significance. The letter included a specific critique of the organizers’ tactics, which they described as potentially exploitative and offensive, particularly within the context of religious observations and celebrations related to the Catholic faith and Native American history.
Officials within the RNC have rallied against what they view as a pattern of disrespect from the current administration toward Catholic Americans. Gates McGavick, senior adviser to RNC Chairman Michael Whatley, specifically called out Vice President Kamala Harris, asserting that such behavior cannot and will not go unnoticed or unchallenged. He remarked that the public is likely to respond negatively to the event, suggesting that a considerable backlash could occur at the ballot box.
Adding to the context, the recent decision by Harris to skip the prominent Al Smith Dinner while sending an impersonal video message has drawn further criticism. In contrast, Donald Trump received acclaim for his in-person attendance and eloquent speech. This situation has only amplified the RNC’s assertions about the Biden-Harris administration’s lack of respect for Catholic voters, particularly within battleground states like Wisconsin. Trump’s campaign has actively sought to galvanize Catholic support, framing it as critical to future electoral successes.
Trump’s campaign took proactive steps to align itself with Catholic values, calling for the establishment of a “Catholics for Trump” Coalition, reiterating his commitment to religious freedom during his presidential tenure. The RNC spokesperson underscored a broader narrative that positions the Biden-Harris administration as the most anti-Catholic in history, contributing to a portrayal of an increasing divide between religious conservatives and Democratic leaders. The actions taken by the left are perceived not merely as election strategies but as continued affronts to the values held dear by many religious individuals, amplifying sentiments that will likely influence voter behavior moving forward.
