Josh Shapiro: Potential VP Pick for Kamala Harris | US News
Josh Shapiro, a 51-year-old father of four, is experiencing historically high approval ratings, including cross-party support from Republicans. However, the rumor of him potentially becoming Kamala Harris’s running mate has raised concerns among more progressive Democrats.
Shapiro is considered a rising star in the Democratic Party and his popularity as Governor of Pennsylvania is seen as crucial for Ms. Harris’s presidential campaign. The state’s 19 electoral votes make it a key battleground that must be won. In the 2020 election, Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in confirming Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump.
If selected as Harris’s running mate, Shapiro would contribute to the historical significance of the Democratic ticket. He would be the first Jewish vice president in the country’s history, while Harris is aiming to become the first female president, as well as the first Black and South Asian American woman to hold the position.
Progressive Endorsement from Obama – and Israel Controversy
In 2007, Shapiro went against much of the Democratic establishment to support then-first-term senator Barack Obama for president.
However, Shapiro’s strong support for Israel has raised concerns among some progressive voters.
Pro-Palestinian activists have criticized him for a controversial op-ed from his college years at the University of Rochester, where he expressed pessimism about peace in the Middle East and made derogatory remarks about Palestinians.
Shapiro has since clarified that his views have evolved, emphasizing his support for a two-state solution and his condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s actions in Gaza. He has also been criticized for his handling of protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses.
These stances may appeal to moderate voters and counter Republican attempts to use the Israel-Hamas conflict as a divisive issue for Democrats.
Mr Shapiro meets with attendees during a campaign event. Pic: AP
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‘Startling reversal on climate issues’
Environmental groups have criticized Shapiro for shifting from a tough stance on fracking to cozying up to oil and gas companies, a move he denies.
Since assuming office as Pennsylvania Governor in 2023, he has been accused of drastically changing his environmental priorities and aligning with fossil fuel companies, prompting criticism for his turnaround on climate issues.
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In an open letter addressed to Ms. Harris this week, around 50 leaders of national progressive groups expressed concerns, stating, “With the limited time available to defeat the Trump-Vance-MAGA threat, we cannot afford any setbacks.”
While acknowledging Shapiro’s importance in the Democratic coalition, they pointed out that his controversial policy decisions on issues like school choice and the environment might hinder his ability to be the consensus voice needed in the current political climate.
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Mr Shapiro praised Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the shooting at a Donald Trump rally, for diving on his family to protect them from bullets
Outside of politics, Mr Shapiro met his wife Lori in ninth grade. They dated in high school and reconnected after college before he proposed to her in Jerusalem. He and his family are practising Conservative Jews who keep kosher.
