Big Questions Arise About Kamala’s V.P.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania is emerging as a top contender for Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, yet his candidacy is stirring some debate within Democratic circles. As Harris prepares to make her choice in the coming days, ahead of a crucial series of campaign events and the Democratic National Convention later this month, not all Democrats are united in their support for Shapiro.
Reports indicate that Senator John Fetterman, a fellow Pennsylvanian, has expressed reservations about Shapiro. According to Politico, Fetterman’s advisors have voiced concerns that Shapiro might be too preoccupied with his personal ambitions, potentially impacting his effectiveness as a vice-presidential candidate.
Both Shapiro and Fetterman held statewide positions simultaneously—Shapiro as Attorney General and Fetterman as Lieutenant Governor—which may have contributed to the friction. Furthermore, Shapiro’s staunch support for Israel has raised eyebrows among some Democratic factions. Pro-Palestinian groups, including the Institute for Middle East Understanding’s policy project, have criticized Shapiro’s potential selection, highlighting his firm stance on Israel’s right to defend itself and past critiques of Palestinians.
One of the contentious issues is Shapiro’s earlier college essays, which have resurfaced and fueled controversy. In a 1993 piece, Shapiro expressed skepticism about the possibility of Palestinians establishing a peaceful state, suggesting they were too conflict-driven to achieve lasting peace. This historical perspective has been pointed to by critics within the Democratic Party as evidence of his potential biases.
Despite these concerns, Shapiro has garnered considerable acclaim as Pennsylvania’s governor since his election in 2022. His handling of the Interstate 95 collapse in Philadelphia last year received national praise, bolstering his reputation as a competent leader.
Alongside Shapiro, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona are also being considered as potential running mates for Harris. As the selection process continues, the debate over Shapiro’s suitability will likely remain a focal point in the discussions about the Democratic ticket’s future.
