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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, known for his bipartisan appeal and pragmatic governance, is emerging as a strong contender for Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential pick in the 2024 US election. Shapiro’s notable achievements include his role in exposing widespread abuse by Catholic clergy as Attorney General and his effective response to state crises as governor read more
 "Who is Josh Shapiro, the frontrunner to be Kamala Harris’s VP?")
US Vice President Kamala Harris and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro react during a visit to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024. File Image/Reuters
Josh Shapiro, currently the Governor of Pennsylvania, has become a significant figure in American politics and is being touted as a potential running mate for United States Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election.
Born in Missouri and raised in Abington Township, a suburb of Philadelphia, Shapiro’s upbringing was rooted in a family where his father was a pediatrician, and his mother an educator.
Shapiro, 51, pursued a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Rochester and later earned a law degree from Georgetown University. His early career included roles as a congressional aide, which laid the foundation for his extensive experience in public service.
Shapiro’s political career
Shapiro’s political career began in earnest when he won a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the Montgomery County area from 2005 to 2011. Known for his bipartisan approach, Shapiro quickly built a reputation as a pragmatic reformer.
One of his notable achievements was his role in the 2007 bipartisan negotiation that led to Republican Denny O’Brien becoming the Speaker of the House despite a narrow Democratic majority. This act of bipartisan cooperation highlighted Shapiro’s ability to work across the aisle, a trait that has defined much of his political career.
During his tenure as a state representative, Shapiro also made attempts to reform Pennsylvania’s judicial election system, advocating for a merit-based appointment process rather than partisan elections.
Also Read | Kamala Harris to unveil vice president choice soon: Who is on the short list?
Additionally, he spearheaded efforts to reinstate hate crime protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, which had been previously struck down by the state’s Commonwealth Court. Although these initiatives faced challenges, they underscored Shapiro’s commitment to progressive policies and equal rights.
Shapiro as Pennsylvania Attorney General
Shapiro’s rise continued as he was elected Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2016, a position he held until 2023. His tenure was marked by high-profile investigations and prosecutions, notably leading a grand jury investigation that uncovered widespread sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Pennsylvania.
The investigation revealed that over 300 priests had abused more than 1,000 children, prompting a national conversation about accountability within the Catholic Church. Shapiro’s office also pursued legal action against predatory lenders and Wall Street banks, which had been charging exorbitant fees, and he was lauded for his role in combating these abuses.
Shapiro’s office took a strong stance during the 2020 US election, defending Pennsylvania’s election results against numerous legal challenges from the Trump campaign.
As a vocal critic of former US President Donald Trump, Shapiro condemned Trump’s false claims of a stolen election, positioning himself as a defender of democratic processes. He stated that Trump was “ripping away our freedoms,” reflecting his broader critique of the MAGA movement.
Shapiro as Pennsylvania Governor
In 2022, Shapiro won the gubernatorial race against Doug Mastriano, a Republican state senator known for his far-right positions and support for Trump’s election fraud claims. Shapiro’s victory was decisive, bolstered by a well-organised campaign that highlighted his record of effective governance and centrist policies.
As governor, Shapiro has prioritised issues such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Notably, he played a crucial role in the rapid reopening of Interstate 95 after a bridge collapse, showcasing his administration’s efficiency and responsiveness.
He also signed legislation to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings and secured funding for universal free breakfast for public school students across Pennsylvania. These actions underscored his commitment to practical solutions that directly benefit citizens.
Are the Democrats happy with Shapiro?
Shapiro’s pragmatic approach has sometimes led to tension within his own party. His support for a $100 million school voucher program, which would allow public funds to be used for private education, sparked criticism from teachers’ unions and progressive Democrats.
Although he later vetoed the program using his line-item veto power, the incident highlighted the challenges of balancing bipartisan appeal with party unity.
Shapiro’s stance on environmental issues has also been a point of contention. While initially tough on fracking as Attorney General, he adopted a more accommodating position as governor, recognising the economic importance of natural gas production in Pennsylvania.
He has expressed skepticism about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a carbon cap-and-trade program, due to its potential impact on union jobs. This position has drawn criticism from environmentalists but reflects his nuanced approach to balancing environmental concerns with economic realities.
Shapiro’s views on Israel
Shapiro, who is Jewish, has been vocal about issues concerning Israel and the Jewish community. Following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, Shapiro criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while affirming Israel’s right to self-defence.
He described Netanyahu as “one of the worst leaders of all time,” demonstrating his willingness to criticise even allies when he disagrees with their policies.
Shapiro has also been outspoken against antisemitism, comparing some pro-Palestinian campus protesters to the Ku Klux Klan, which sparked significant controversy. He argued that just as KKK symbols would not be tolerated, antisemitism should not be allowed to proliferate on college campuses.
Furthermore, he supports legislation to penalise colleges that boycott or divest from Israel, which has drawn ire from some progressive groups.
Can a Harris-Shapiro ticket win?
Shapiro’s consideration as Kamala Harris’s running mate reflects his moderate and bipartisan appeal, which could be crucial in the 2024 US election. His experience as a state attorney general and governor, coupled with his record of legislative accomplishments, positions him as a qualified candidate who could help attract independent and moderate voters.
Shapiro’s potential is also seen as a strategic move to appeal to moderate and independent voters, particularly in Pennsylvania. His experience and bipartisan appeal could help solidify the Democratic base and attract voters disillusioned with the extremes of both parties.
However, his positions on contentious issues like school vouchers, Israel, and environmental policies could pose challenges in uniting the broader Democratic coalition.
In the end, the choice of Shapiro as Harris’s vice-presidential pick may come down to his ability to “do no harm” to the ticket and provide a moderate, stabilising presence. His history of pragmatic governance and centrist appeal aligns well with the broader strategy to counter the Trump-Vance ticket.
Also Read : Do vice president picks really matter? The 2024 White House race raises the stakes
As the decision looms for Kamala Harris to select her vice-presidential running mate, Josh Shapiro stands out as a compelling option.
With inputs from agencies
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English (US) ·