Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently found herself in hot water after a controversial video stunt that many viewed as disrespectful to the Catholic faith. In a statement to Fox 2 Detroit, Whitmer attempted to clarify her intentions, emphasizing her long history of public service and her commitment to respecting individuals’ religious beliefs.
“For over 25 years in public service, I would never do anything to belittle someone’s faith. I’ve always advocated for the rights of individuals to practice their own religions,” she asserted. This comes in the wake of a video featuring left-wing influencer Liz Plank, where Whitmer appeared to mock the sacrament of Communion by placing a Dorito in Plank’s mouth while she knelt. The footage aimed to riff off a popular TikTok trend, but many found it to be in poor taste, especially considering its resemblance to sacred religious practices.
The backlash was swift, particularly from the Michigan Catholic Conference, which expressed strong condemnation of the skit. Paul A. Long, the Conference’s President and CEO, highlighted the gravity of the situation: “The imagery goes beyond mere parody and mocks a deeply held belief among Catholics.” With approximately 18% of Michigan’s population identifying as Catholic, and the state being a crucial battleground for the upcoming 2024 elections, the implications of such a stunt could be significant for Whitmer and her party.
As a prominent supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, Whitmer’s actions come at a time when Harris herself faces skepticism from Catholic voters. The controversy raises important questions about respect for religious practices in the political arena and the impact of such missteps on voter sentiment. For conservatives, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding religious values and the need for politicians to be mindful of their actions, particularly in a diverse state like Michigan.