Much attention has been given to Vice President Kamala Harris’s selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. However, sometimes in one-on-one interviews, a potential president may find a perfect cabinet fit rather than the role initially considered. When Harris and Shapiro met, they discussed various topics, but it became apparent to the vice president that despite Shapiro being the governor of a pivotal state for winning the White House, he might be better suited for the role of Secretary of State.
Politics are a peculiar game of finding the right person for the right role, and it’s not unusual to be considered for one position but selected for another. Walz was a better match for Harris as a running mate, embodying the ideal ‘everyman’ content to serve in a secondary role, whereas Shapiro’s more proactive ambition makes him a better fit for a cabinet position where he can shape policy.
Shapiro is seen as an ideal replacement for Secretary of State Tony Blinken who will serve until his assignment is concluded. He has played a key role in stabilizing the United States’ global relationships. Currently, he is focused on navigating the conflict between Israel and Gaza towards hostage release and establishing peace in the Middle East. Success in this endeavor could lead to Vice President Harris retaining General Lloyd Austin, CIA Director Bill Burns, and the rest of President Joe Biden’s team until the issue is completely resolved. In the meantime, Shapiro is expected to await the end of Blinken’s term.
He is an unapologetic supporter of Israel, an articulate spokesman whose pride and firm stance on his views have impressed Harris. However, Shapiro is not merely a skilled orator; he actively practices his Jewish faith, observing kosher at the governor’s mansion and attending Saturday services on Shabbat.
Shapiro has articulated complex views on the Israel-Gaza conflict. He is a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration, labeling Netanyahu as “a dangerous and destructive force” He endorses a two-state solution, promoting the coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians in peace.
Shapiro’s position is consistent with the mainstream Democratic Party and mirrors the sentiments of numerous American Jews. Additionally, he has fostered significant connections with diverse community leaders, such as Muslim-American, Arab-American, Palestinian Christian, and Jewish representatives, which have shaped his viewpoints.
Make no mistake, he is a star in the Democratic Party, and while his resume is impressive, he was not chosen for the ticket with Harris, losing out to Walz, a second-term governor with congressional experience. At 51, Shapiro has yet to complete his first term as Pennsylvania’s governor, but he is valued by Harris as a potential cabinet member, should she win, of course.
After Harris announced her selection of Gov. Walz as her running mate, Shapiro released a statement that read, in part. “Pennsylvanians elected me to a four-year term as their Governor, and my work here is far from finished there is a lot more stuff I want to get done for the good people of this Commonwealth,” he wrote. “In just 19 months, we’ve made a meaningful, positive impact in peoples’ lives, and I’m proud of how Americans all across the country have taken notice of what we’re accomplishing here in Pennsylvania.”
Shapiro is committed to securing a victory for Harris and Walz in Pennsylvania and serving the state’s residents. Should Harris lose to Donald Trump, it is anticipated that Shapiro will pursue the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 2028.
Several Jewish supporters of Shapiro, acknowledging Walz’s pro-Israel stance as well, have implied that the campaign against Shapiro was driven by antisemitism. While, there is no doubt his outspoken denouncing of the pro Gaza rallies on US college campuses may have had a role in Harris choice of Walz it was far from the only reason.
Shapiro dismissed any suggestion that his Jewish identity was the reason he was not selected as the VP candidate He addressed them “I want to make sure you hear this from me: Antisemitism played no role in the dialogue I had with the vice president. None,” he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in response to a question about whether the progressive left was making it harder for Jews to succeed in the Democratic Party.
“It is true that there is antisemitism in this country, along with racism and Islamophobia and homophobia, and we need to stand up and condemn all of it,” he added moments later. “There is no place for it in the Democratic Party, and there is no place for it in our country.”
Shapiro is aware that his moment will arrive, whether it’s as a high-ranking member of a Harris cabinet or through a White House bid of his own. Currently, his priority is to help elect Harris and to excel as a governor, which will significantly advance his political career.
Washington based CEO & Founder of LJC. Media covering politics, sports, & entertainment A seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director, and podcast host. Digital Director and Washington Bureau Chief at News Talk Florida & The Daily Cable
