Published on August 22, 2024, 12:28 am

In a seemingly offbeat gathering, a number of prominent Irish-American Democrats convened to express their support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. This occurred during what was intended to be a “national organizing call” for Irish-Americans in support of Harris. It seemed an unusual follow-up, given the recent stepping down from running by the notably proud Irish-American president.

The Harris-Walz campaign has been known to divide voters according to race in several virtual events over recent weeks. Certain groups, such as “White Dudes For Harris” and “White Women For Kamala,” have succeeded in creating quite a stir. These events have featured various influencers providing guidelines for interaction within racial contexts.

Among these “For Harris” gatherings, many different identity groups are catered for, including black voters, South Asians, Jews, and others. The meeting aimed at energizing Irish-Americans had its own singular awkwardness owing to the removal of a president proudly associated with his strong Irish heritage.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy noted on the call that President Joe Biden ranks alongside John F. Kennedy as one of the most celebrated Irish-American presidents in our nation’s history. In an unexpected twist, JFK’s grandnephew and niece added their voices to comment on family traditions associated with their famous Irish-American political lineage.

The event also hosted Virginia McGregor, DNC treasurer and national co-chair of Women for Harris who affectionately referred to being an ‘Irish Catholic Democrat’ as an integral part of individual identity growing up in Scranton. However, curiously absent from the proceedings was Biden himself.

Interwoven with serious talk were attempts at humor by speakers including Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) taking a humorous dig at Donald Trump’s understanding of Ireland or its culture.

Adding another layer of eccentricity was actress and singer Lynda Carter whose unconventional comments involved personal anecdotes about her father’s grooming habits and opinions on abortion rights. In her impassioned speech, she seemed momentarily to forget the word contraception while addressing the issue of reproductive rights.

Other contributors to this call included former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe who pointed out that Irish-Americans are known for their gift of gab, actor Michael Kelly who emphasized the hard-working spirit of his Irish kinfolk, and Representatives Tim Kennedy (D-NY) and Dan Kildee (D-MI). This illustrious group encouraged listeners to subscribe to Harris’s campaign text alerts specifically designed for Irish-American supporters.

Biden’s decision not to participate in the 2024 race was seen as embodying the quintessential virtues of hard work and doing what is right, in accordance with traditional Irish qualities. It was also claimed that America’s global standing is improving once again. The necessary emphasis was placed on voters’ ability to articulate their reasons for supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz at summer barbecues or other gatherings.

Governor Murphy testified that Harris and Walz “share the values of the Irish community” stirring supports to “leave no shamrock unturned” in backing their campaign. “Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, the Irish— unbeatable!” he declared confidently.