Harris received much attention and criticism for skipping the much-revered, traditional Al Smith Dinner in mid-October. Now, it’s also been revealed that Harris snubbed the National Italian American Foundation, declining an invitation to the organization’s 49th-anniversary gala, which was held on Oct. 26 in Washington.

As the country’s vice president and Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, Harris understandably has a packed schedule. However, her snub of the NIAF gala was the second diss in nine days of a prestigious cultural event representative of two important voting demographics: Catholics and Italian Americans. Actions speak louder than words, and busy political schedules aside, it should be noted that Harris did make time in her schedule for the sex-obsessed, raunchy Call Her Daddy podcast, The Howard Stern Show, an appearance on The View, and a sit-down at a barber shop in Philadelphia.

One thing seems obvious: Harris seems to make time for the things for which she wants to make time.

“The contempt the current administration has for half of America has been clear for years,” said Emily Compagno, Italian American, co-host of Fox News Channel’s Outnumbered, and author of Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops. “Recently, perhaps in their panic at Americans loudly voicing they refuse to be discarded, have their values ignored, or continue living under such woeful economic stressors and will vote as such, the mouthpieces for the administration and the Harris campaign have become emboldened in their public disdain.

“Harris snubbing the NIAF gala is simply another example of the vice president, who serves as such for all of America, making it clear the only Americans whose contributions matter are those who serve her interests as a candidate,” Compagno told me.

Harris, former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and first lady Jill Biden were all extended invitations to the event but declined. However, the Bidens appeared at the event last year as guest speakers. They also held an event honoring Italian Americans at the White House this year and acknowledged the NIAF’s role in promoting Italian American heritage and culture. Trump, meanwhile, made a prerecorded message for guests at this year’s gala. Harris did neither.

I am not aware of the circumstances as to why Harris did not record a video for the event. It could have been for several reasons. However, it should have been something she insisted on doing. The fact that she didn’t think to provide any greeting for the gala speaks volumes and, in my view, was disrespectful. In addition to her decision not to attend the Al Smith Dinner, it genuinely felt like Harris was doing a lot of talking by not showing up or providing a video greeting. Such sentiments are reinforced by Harris’s decision to prioritize Call Her Daddy, Howard Stern, and barber shop visits.

Compagno said Italian Americans should interpret the snub as not being “valued nor seen on the level of Americans that check a box for her soundbite, that serve a purpose for her stumping, or that provide a vehicle for her votes.”

“If Harris would appreciate that the Italian American community does not vote or operate as a monolith but rather as a thriving, dynamic, impressive, inspiring, and significant part of the fabric of America and her history, as represented by the honorees this year and every year, she would make time to acknowledge the contributions of our community and the phenomenal Americans, Republicans and Democrats, within,” Compagno told me.

It felt like a mistake and an insult for the vice president and Democratic nominee for president to blatantly disregard two cultural events for Catholics and Italian Americans. Compagno believed it was just more of the typical behavior that Harris has exhibited during her time in office. And I have to say, I absolutely agree with the Outnumbered host.

“I consider it emblematic of a vice president who fulfills that sacred role for the whole country yet serves only those who directly serve her campaign interests,” Compagno told me. “This administration, via the Department of Justice, has made it clear Catholics, those with family values, and hard-working, patriotic Americans are obstacles to their radical agendas that must be diminished via laws, regulations, and civil and criminal prosecutions. It is fitting those Americans of faith and of Italian American origin are unseen by Harris in a formal moment where she could have instead seized the opportunity to express value for all Americans — or simply gratitude for all Italian Americans have accomplished in service to and for this country.”

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Furthermore, to contrast Harris’s actions with those of another politician, Compagno mentioned her experience with a different Democrat, New York Mayor Eric Adams. Compagno emphasized that Adams, unlike Harris, showed genuine appreciation for the Italian American community.

“Of note, democratic Mayor Eric Adams attended the NYPD Columbia Association Gala, during which I had the pleasure to meet the mayor of the largest city in America,” Compagno said. “His attendance and short speech recognized the unparalleled value of the Italian American community, regardless of party, and ensured he, unlike Harris, has the ability to see past party for a community whose contributions have risen far above and beyond such.”