Top VP candidate Josh Shapiro backs Kamala Harris. Bring what to the ticket?

Anamika Dey, editor

Brief news

  • Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential campaign, leading to speculation about potential running mates for Kamala Harris, including Gov. Josh Shapiro.
  • Democratic convention delegates will choose the party’s nominee next month in Chicago.
  • Shapiro’s strengths include his ability to help Pennsylvania deliver crucial electoral votes and his experience as attorney general overseeing high-profile investigations.

Detailed news

As Joe Biden’s likely resignation from the presidential campaign grew this week, Gov. Josh Shapiro was often suggested as Kamala Harris’ running mate.

Biden withdrew from the reelection contest on Sunday. Shapiro and other prospective running partners will gain prominence now that Harris has Biden’s backing as Democratic nominee.

Next month in Chicago, Democratic convention delegates will choose the party’s nominee.

According to The Washington Post on Saturday, Democratic funders are funding the evaluation of many vice presidential prospects, including Shapiro. They included Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.

Shapiro’s greatest strength may be helping Pennsylvania deliver crucial electoral votes.

Georgetown Law degree 51-year-old won governorship by approximately 15% against Trump supporter state Sen. Doug Mastriano in 2022. He was state attorney general and Montgomery County representative north of Philadelphia before that.

After the June 2023 I-95 viaduct collapse, he gained national notoriety. About two weeks later, the overpass reopened.

After Trump’s July 13 Butler County assassination attempt, Shapiro was back in the spotlight. Dave McCormick, the Republican Senate nominee, praised his leadership.

In an interview before Biden withdrew, Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion director Chris Borick called Shapiro a “slam dunk” for Democrats.

“He hails from Pennsylvania, the most sought-after swing state,” he said. He is a rising Democratic figure, has strong popularity ratings as governor, and is popular in this region.

He said Shapiro’s Pennsylvania connections give him an edge against Democratic governors like Cooper and Beshear.

“Kentucky is undoubtedly not a competitive state; North Carolina is somewhat competitive, but it may be a bit of a stretch for Democrats,” he said. “At present, Pennsylvania is the Holy Grail of electoral politics.” Additionally, a beloved governor from that state would be ideal for your ticket.

GOP vice presidential contender JD Vance, a senator for less than two years, may be more disadvantaged than Shapiro’s brief governorship, according to Borick.

He said, “You can rely on [Shapiro’s] tenure as attorney general to argue that he has been involved in a variety of these matters for a period exceeding two years.”

Shapiro oversaw a Roman Catholic clergy sexual misconduct investigation while attorney general. A study from his agency claimed that 300 clerics assaulted 1,000 children since the 1940s.

The political experience of Vance is much reduced. He wrote “Hillbilly Elegy” and served four years in the Marines before being elected to the Senate in 2022. He attended Yale Law School and worked as a venture investor and attorney.

Last week, Liddell Group political consultant Samuel Chen said Shapiro’s limited political experience may be a problem, but less so than Vance’s.

“Shapiro’s resume is both advantageous and detrimental in terms of the electoral aspect of the matter,” said he.

Chen, who worked for Republican Sen. Pat Toomey and Republican Gov. Tom Corbett, said Shapiro has had brief national exposure but is not yet a household name. Vance achieved this when “Hillbilly Elegy” became a best-seller and picture. Since many conservatives liked the book, it received widespread news coverage.

Chen also noted that Vance’s inexperience may appeal to individuals who dislike traditional politicians.

Borick advised a shorter CV because a politician’s career increases the possibility of flaws.

Shapiro accepted gifts from benefactors under inquiry as governor-elect. Chen mentioned Philadelphia 76ers courtside tickets.

Shapiro’s campaign called it a “political meeting.”

Shapiro joining Harris and winning would not be the first Pennsylvania governor to quit to serve in the federal government.

After 9/11, Gov. Tom Ridge became President George W. Bush’s first Homeland Security secretary.

If elected, Shapiro would be America’s most renowned Jewish politician.

Chen said this might draw many Jewish voters disgruntled with the Democratic Party’s approach to Israel-Gaza riots.
If Shapiro resigned before his term, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis would take over.

According to Pennsylvania’s succession plan, Westmoreland County Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward would become lieutenant governor. Since Joe Scarnati, R-Centre, took over in 2008 after Catherine Baker Knoll’s death, this would be the first time the state’s second-in-command was not the governor’s party.

Shapiro tweeted an homage to the president immediately after Biden declined the Democratic Party’s candidacy for a second term.

The tweet reads, “President Biden is a patriot who served our nation honorably in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most influential presidents in history. He has accomplished much to progress our nation, defend democracy, and preserve freedom.” I am pleased to work with him and appreciate his leadership and passion to Pennsylvania, his home state.

Shapiro did not discuss his future. He released a statement on Sunday evening supporting Harris, saying he had spoken with her after Biden:

“When our founders convened in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to declare our independence and establish our democracy, they did so with the explicit conviction that our success was contingent upon our unity.” Our nation and its inhabitants have endured many hardships in 248 years, but the American spirit has always prevailed.

“The most effective course of action for the Democratic Party is to rapidly coalesce around Vice President Harris and refocus on securing the presidency.” In it, he said, “The contrast in this race is stark, and the path to victory in November runs directly through Pennsylvania, the state where this collective effort commenced.” “I am committed to assisting Kamala Harris in her election as the 47th President of the United States.”

Source : WESA.FM, NBC News

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