Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro gets mixed reactions as Harris nears VP pick announcement.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has been making his mark in the race to become Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate by actively participating in campaign events and press conferences in the state, rather than taking the conventional route of appearing on cable news networks. Shapiro finds himself among several other Democratic politicians vying for the prestigious position, with his state boasting the most battleground electoral college votes amongst them all.
On the list of potential picks alongside Shapiro are Democratic governors such as Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Tim Walz of Minnesota, and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois. In addition to these governors, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly are also in the running. Kelly, Shapiro, and Walz are set to have face-to-face interviews with Harris in Washington D.C., indicative of the rigorous selection process in place.
Despite the active involvement of these potential contenders, the Harris campaign has reiterated that no decision has been made yet regarding the vice-presidential pick. While support letters from various groups and individuals have been pouring in for different candidates, Shapiro enjoys a significant amount of backing from Democratic officials and voters in Pennsylvania, as seen in recent interactions with CBS News.
The overwhelming support for Shapiro is attributed to his moderate approach, high approval rating, successful track record in statewide elections, and key infrastructure projects he has spearheaded, such as the quick rebuild of an Interstate 95 highway. During a rally with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean openly endorsed Shapiro as the “best pick,” emphasizing their potential to “blow the roof off the place” together.
Local officials and voters enthused about Shapiro’s candidacy point to his ability to potentially secure Pennsylvania’s crucial electoral college votes for Harris in the upcoming election. Rep. Matt Cartwright, representing a district that favored former President Donald Trump in the previous election, expressed confidence in Shapiro’s ability to aid in securing victory for the Democratic ticket in the state.
Shapiro has remained discreet about his thoughts on being considered for the vice-presidential position, deferring questions about the process to the Harris campaign. Furthermore, he has shown a willingness to confront detractors, particularly Ohio Senator JD Vance, who made disparaging remarks about Shapiro’s demeanor. In response, Shapiro exhibited readiness to tackle any challenges that may come his way.
Despite the overwhelming support for Shapiro, there have been pockets of opposition due to certain stances he has taken in the past. Support for taxpayer-funded private school vouchers and his approach towards the Israel-Palestine conflict have garnered criticism from education groups, progressive organizations, and Arab American activists.
In light of these criticisms, Shapiro’s team has defended his stance on education funding and reiterated his commitment to a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. If elected, Shapiro would become the first Jewish vice president in American history, a milestone that holds significant importance for some Democratic lawmakers and voters.
The ongoing debate around Shapiro’s candidacy underscores the complex dynamics at play in the selection process for Harris’ running mate. Despite facing criticism on certain policy stances, Shapiro’s supporters remain steadfast in their belief that his strengths far outweigh any perceived weaknesses. As the vice-presidential decision draws closer, the spotlight on Shapiro and other contenders intensifies, setting the stage for a closely watched and anticipated outcome.
