- Proven Bipartisan Appeal and Leadership: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has a track record of pragmatic policymaking that has earned him favor among diverse groups, including Democrats, Republicans, business leaders, labor unions, and various religious communities. His extensive experience at federal, state, and county levels positions him as a candidate capable of bridging divides and attracting undecided voters.
- Strong Electoral Success and Popularity: Shapiro has consistently won challenging elections, including his historic victory as Pennsylvania governor, where he received more votes than any previous governor and outperformed Democratic presidential candidates. His high approval ratings, even among Trump supporters, suggest he could secure crucial electoral votes for the Democratic Party.
- Centrist Policies and Pro-Business Approach: Shapiro’s centrist approach includes protecting voting and abortion rights, advancing clean energy initiatives, and advocating for education savings accounts. His pro-business stance, supported by his corporate law experience, has attracted significant private investment and job creation, making him a balanced and pragmatic choice for vice president.
This weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to interview the final candidates for her vice-presidential running mate. The final candidates include Democratic governors from Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, along with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. If Harris wants to sustain her campaign’s momentum and maximize her chances of winning in November, we believe Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro would be the wisest choice.
A Pragmatic Leader with Bipartisan Appeal
Governor Shapiro has demonstrated pragmatic policymaking that has earned him favor among diverse groups, including Democrats and Republicans, business leaders and labor unions, as well as Muslims and Jews. This broad appeal could prove crucial in swaying undecided voters to support the Harris-Shapiro ticket.
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Despite only taking office in January 2023, Shapiro brings nearly thirty years of political experience at the federal, state, and county levels. His extensive resume includes eight years on Capitol Hill, six years as state attorney general, eight years as a state representative (including a stint as deputy speaker of the House), and six years on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, where he served as Chairman for five years. Additionally, Shapiro gained valuable experience as a corporate lawyer, balancing his part-time political roles.
Josh Shapiro’s opposition
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has expressed concern over the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris selecting his state’s governor, Josh Shapiro, as her running mate. According to three individuals familiar with the discussions, Fetterman’s advisers have privately communicated these concerns to Harris’ team.
Fetterman’s team conveyed to Harris’ aides that the senator views Shapiro as overly focused on his personal ambitions. This sentiment stems from a longstanding rivalry between the two prominent Democrats, both of whom have advanced on parallel tracks in the politically significant state of Pennsylvania. The disclosure of Fetterman’s concerns to the team of the party’s potential new standard-bearer highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding the selection of a running mate and the significant implications such a decision holds for the Democratic Party’s future.
How Josh Shapiro Could Help Kamala Harris Win
Shapiro has emerged as a leading contender on Harris’ shortlist of possible vice presidential picks. Harris is set to interview several candidates over the weekend and is scheduled to appear with her running mate at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Fetterman’s representatives informed Harris’ aides that one key point of contention between Fetterman and Shapiro arose during their tenure together on Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons, according to the three individuals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations
Addressing Controversies and Misconceptions
Shapiro’s candidacy has not been without challenges. Far-left groups attempted to sabotage his campaign using antisemitic slurs like “Genocide Josh.” These extremists seem to overlook the fact that Shapiro aligns with the Biden-Harris administration and is well within the mainstream of the Democratic Party, as noted by Rep. Richie Torres (D-NY).
In college, Shapiro wrote an article suggesting Palestinians were “too battle-minded” to establish a peaceful homeland. However, he has since revised his views, advocating for a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians live peacefully side-by-side. His evolution on this issue reflects a thoughtful and nuanced approach to complex international matters.
Shapiro’s record on handling sexual misconduct allegations has also been scrutinized. A former staffer faced allegations of harassment, which were addressed through a rigorous internal investigation, resulting in a settlement with the victim and the departure of the alleged offender. It’s essential to note that Shapiro was not implicated in any wrongdoing.
Proven Success in Tough Elections
Shapiro has a history of winning difficult races. In 2004, he won an open state House seat in a predominantly Republican district, reportedly knocking on over 10,000 doors. In 2011, he was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, marking the first time Democrats controlled the Board. Most notably, Shapiro made history by receiving more votes than any Pennsylvania governor ever, outpacing Democratic presidential candidates in 2016 and 2020.
Josh Shapiro has Strong Approval Ratings
Shapiro’s popularity among voters is a significant asset. In May 2024, 57% of Pennsylvanians strongly or somewhat approved of his leadership, including 35% of Trump supporters. This broad appeal suggests he could deliver Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes to the Democratic Party and potentially sway other pivotal states in the “blue wall.”
A Gifted Orator and Campaigner
Effective public speaking is crucial for political success. Shapiro’s oratory skills have been compared to those of President Barack Obama, with commentators noting their similar speaking styles. Presidential historian Richard Neustadt’s 1960 work “Presidential Power” emphasizes that a president’s power lies in persuasion rather than coercion. Shapiro’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and articulate a compelling vision makes him a valuable asset to the Harris campaign.
During the intra-party contest for vice president, Shapiro balanced his duties as governor with his campaign efforts, demonstrating his ability to be a loyal and effective number two. By allowing his record to speak for itself, Shapiro showed Harris he could support her campaign without overshadowing it.
A Centrist Approach
Shapiro’s centrist approach sets him apart from traditional party norms. He has pledged to protect state voting and abortion rights while advancing clean energy initiatives. At the same time, he chose not to mandate masks and vaccines for COVID-19, advocating for education instead. He also supports education savings accounts while maintaining teacher union support.
Shapiro’s pragmatic policymaking has earned him praise from both sides of the aisle. During his gubernatorial bid in 2022, he received endorsements from seventeen former GOP officials, including former Congressman Charlie Dent and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff.
Pro-Business and Pro-Growth Agenda
Concerns about the business environment under a potential Harris presidency can be alleviated by Shapiro’s track record. He has garnered support from both fossil fuel companies and renewable energy stakeholders. With over ten years of corporate law experience, Shapiro understands business leaders’ priorities. He has advocated for cutting state corporate taxes and implementing business-friendly policies to attract investment and create jobs. In just 18 months, his administration has attracted over $2 billion in private capital investment and created thousands of new jobs.
Character and Integrity
Shapiro has shown a willingness to engage in discussions about the Israel-Hamas conflict and its implications for him as a Jewish person. He has demonstrated a capacity for learning and growth, admitting to past mistakes and refining his policy positions, such as calling for an end to capital punishment upon taking office.
Conclusion
Vice President Harris’s candidacy has revitalized the Democratic Party, and selecting Josh Shapiro as her running mate would reinforce her message of unity. The vice presidency can be more than a ceremonial role; it can be an opportunity to make significant contributions, as demonstrated by Al Gore and Joe Biden. With his pragmatic leadership style and ability to build consensus, Shapiro has consistently delivered results across a wide bipartisan constituency. We believe he would be a true partner to Harris, helping to navigate the challenges ahead and strengthen the nation.
By choosing Josh Shapiro as her running mate, Harris can ensure a robust and dynamic campaign, appealing to a broad spectrum of voters and maximizing her chances of victory in November.
