Vice President Kamala Harris is set to kick off a swing-state tour with her potential 2024 VP pick in Philadelphia next week, sparking speculation that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro may be one of her top choices for running mate. Shapiro, a former state representative, county commissioner, and attorney general, won the gubernatorial election in 2022 by a significant margin and is popular among Pennsylvanians, with a 56% approval rating according to a recent poll. He is known for his successful investigation of the Catholic Church’s cover-up of child sexual abuse, as well as his quick response to a major highway collapse.
Harris and Shapiro’s potential ticket would bring a number of firsts, with Harris being the first female and Asian American president and Shapiro being the first Jewish vice president. Despite not having been in the governor’s office for long, Shapiro has already made an impact and attracted attention for his leadership during crises. With Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes being crucial in determining the next president, Harris may see Shapiro as a strong asset to her campaign.
Speculation about Shapiro being Harris’ potential VP pick has increased since President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign. While Harris has not made a final decision, the announcement of the swing-state tour, starting in Philadelphia, has fueled further speculation. The betting odds on Shapiro as the VP pick have significantly increased in recent days, indicating growing anticipation among supporters and analysts.
Shapiro’s background as a successful politician in Pennsylvania, where he outperformed Biden in every county during the gubernatorial election, makes him a compelling choice for Harris. However, critics point out controversies during his tenure, including a sexual harassment scandal involving a top aide and his shifting stance on policy issues such as school vouchers and corporate tax cuts. Shapiro has also faced criticism for his response to international events, such as the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Former President Donald Trump has criticized Shapiro as a “far-left Democrat” and blamed him for what he perceived as a state of lawlessness in Philadelphia. Despite facing criticism from both the left and the right, Shapiro remains a popular figure in Pennsylvania and has expressed his support for Harris following Biden’s endorsement. As the speculation continues and the campaign heats up, the choice of VP pick will be closely watched by political observers and voters alike.
