Josh Shapiro

2024 - 8 - 6

Josh Shapiro: The VP That Could've Been, But Wasn't—What Happened?

2024 Elections - Democratic Party - Josh Shapiro - Kamala Harris - Pennsylvania Politics - Tim Walz - Vice Presidential Candidates

Dive into the drama of Josh Shapiro's near-miss as a vice presidential pick and what it could mean for Pennsylvania!

With the spotlight shining brightly on the upcoming presidential elections, suspicion and speculation run rampant over potential vice presidential picks. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro had seemingly been a frontrunner, drawing significant attention and a swirl of excitement around the possibility of him joining Vice President Kamala Harris on the Democratic ticket. With a promising political career and strong support within the party, Shapiro's candidacy could have stirred fresh hope for Democrats, especially in a key battleground state like Pennsylvania. However, as news broke that Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota snagged the coveted running mate spot, a collective gasp was heard throughout the Democratic circles, leaving many wondering about the implications for Shapiro and the party at large.

Though it's easy to see Shapiro as a victim of circumstance, political dynamics are never so straightforward. His critics have been vocal about his rising influence, claiming that his nomination could push the Democratic party further left. Critics have argued that focusing on his progressive agenda might alienate centrist voters, which could spell disaster for the party in swing states come election time. Ultimately, this unexpected turn of events has relieved some factions within the party who feared the potential backlash of Shapiro’s more liberal policy initiatives being spotlighted on a national platform alongside Harris.

In the wake of Shapiro's not-so-surprising snub, his supporters continue to rally behind him, turning his current status into a rallying cry—a call to arms for both local and national Democrats. Rather than sulking in the shadows, Shapiro took to social media and made a heartfelt statement expressing his enthusiasm for Tim Walz, notably mentioning, "Tim Walz is exceptionally strong." This response showcases Shapiro's unwavering commitment to party unity and comes as a strategic move to strengthen his own political brand for future endeavors, as political battles can be mere strategic chess games, and this might just be round one.

While it can be easy to overlook figures like Josh Shapiro amidst the unfolding political drama, it's important to realize his ascent raises critical questions about representation and the direction of the Democratic Party in grappling with an increasingly polarized nation. Whether or not he becomes a VP candidate in the future, his growing popularity indicates that he’s a significant player in shaping Pennsylvania's political landscape. With Pennsylvania remaining a crucial battlefield state, Shapiro’s policies and governance could have lasting impacts that influence not only local but national elections for years to come. To set the record straight, Shapiro has deep ties to former President Obama, having worked in various capacities that solidified his status as a rising star. Additionally, he even volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which adds an intriguing layer to his political narrative, as international relations play a pivotal role in the fabric of American politics. Are we looking at a future leader in Josh Shapiro? Time will tell!

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Mother Jones"

Josh Shapiro was a VP frontrunner. Then his critics fought back. (Mother Jones)

On Tuesday morning, news began to leak: Vice President Kamala Harris selected Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate. According to reporting, it had ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Axios"

What the possible loss of Josh Shapiro could mean for Pennsylvania (Axios)

If Vice President Kamala Harris chooses Shapiro as her running mate, and their ticket wins, Pennsylvania is poised for a shake-up.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Josh Shapiro: The man who could become Kamala Harris's VP pick (Sky News)

Mr Shapiro is a rising star in the Democratic Party and his popularity as governor of Pennsylvania is crucial for Kamala Harris's presidential run - but he ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Spotlight PA"

Everything we learned about Josh Shapiro during the veepstakes (Spotlight PA)

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro has just been through an intense vice presidential vetting process. It revealed Obama ties, a stint as an IDF volunteer, and more.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Daily Beast"

Josh Shapiro: 'Tim Walz Is Exceptionally Strong' (Daily Beast)

Vice President Kamala Harris has my enthusiastic support,” Shapiro said in his first statement since the news broke that Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) would be ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "National Review"

A Sigh of Relief That It Isn't Josh Shapiro (National Review)

As I watched the selection process for Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate play out, I was worried that anti-Israel activists would wise up and ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "New York Post"

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro responds after VP snub — as sources say ... (New York Post)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro broke his silence about not joining the 2024 Democratic ticket as a vice presidential candidate — with sources attributing ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

Some Democratic backers of Josh Shapiro see a missed chance for ... (The Associated Press)

Vice President Kamala Harris' choice to pick Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate disappointed fans of Pennsylvania Gov.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WHYY"

'Veepstakes' runner-up Josh Shapiro takes stage as Harris formally ... (WHYY)

The Pennsylvania governor took to the stage at Temple University Tuesday to tell state voters to support the Harris-Walz ticket.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Philadelphia Inquirer"

Josh Shapiro's hometown allies say they're a weird mix of ... (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is better positioned than Shapiro to help gin up grassroots momentum on the left, some progressive organizers say.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

'Hello madam president!': Josh Shapiro fires up Philadelphia ahead ... (USA TODAY)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro passionately put his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at a Philadelphia rally.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC27"

Josh Shapiro speaks at Philadelphia rally after being passed up for ... (ABC27)

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM) – An emotional Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took the stage in Philadelphia in support of Kamala Harris and her running mate, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WNEP Scranton/Wilkes-Barre"

Pennsylvania voters weigh in as Governor Josh Shapiro is passed ... (WNEP Scranton/Wilkes-Barre)

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Vice President and presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris will officially be running alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Philadelphia Inquirer"

Gov. Josh Shapiro gives a rousing speech in his home turf after ... (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

The thunderous applause — which made him stop multiple times and inaudible at points — illustrated Pennsylvania Democrats' love for the first-term governor.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WETM - MyTwinTiers.com"

Josh Shapiro speaks at Philadelphia rally after being passed up for ... (WETM - MyTwinTiers.com)

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM) – An emotional Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took the stage in Philadelphia in support of Kamala Harris and her running mate, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Politico"

Shapiro wasn't picked. Was it antisemitism? (Politico)

PASSOVER: Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro made it to the final round of the Democratic Party's veepstakes, only to lose the abbreviated contest to ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Hollywood Reporter"

Why Liberal Jews Are Right to Feel Worried About Harris Bypassing ... (Hollywood Reporter)

Among some Jewish-American producers, agents and execs there's a sense that those VP calculations come with baked-in antisemitic assumptions about the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Forward"

Josh Shapiro would make a great vice president — but I'm relieved ... (Forward)

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro is a Jewish American dream, but his candidacy would have been a distraction.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Shapiro Emphasizes Pride in His Jewish Faith at Harris-Walz Rally (The New York Times)

Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania rallied Democrats in his home state behind the Democratic ticket after the conclusion of a vice-presidential search that ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NewsNation Now"

Josh Shapiro pick would've 'reassured' Jewish voters: Mark Penn (NewsNation Now)

Kamala Harris announced her pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, on Tuesday, but some think the better choice was Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Times of Israel"

Democrats dismiss 'ridiculous' claim antisemitism behind Shapiro ... (The Times of Israel)

WASHINGTON (JTA) — Is it weird that Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz to be her running mate instead of Josh Shapiro? On Tuesday, as soon as the vice president ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Why Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz over Pennsylvania Governor ... (Sky News)

Despite a 60%+ approval rating as Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro was not picked as Kamala Harris's second for the 2024 presidential election.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "90.5 WESA"

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro won't be VP but is now a national figure. Can ... (90.5 WESA)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris in Ambler, Pa., Monday, July 29 ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WPVI-TV"

Shapiro had reservations about leaving job as Pa. governor after ... (WPVI-TV)

Vice President Kamala Harris spent this past weekend interviewing the top contenders on her VP shortlist.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WHYY"

Some Democratic backers of Josh Shapiro see a missed chance for ... (WHYY)

Vice President Kamala Harris' choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate disappointed fans of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was one of ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Pennsylvania voters wanted Josh Shapiro on the Democratic ticket ... (CBS News)

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz kicked off their campaign for the White House on Tuesday with a rally in Philadelphia at the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro expressed reservations to VP Harris ... (CBS News)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's team believes his interview with Vice President Kamala Harris did not go as well as it could have, according to multiple ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC27"

Josh Shapiro speaks out after not being picked for VP, responds to ... (ABC27)

CAMP HILL, Pa. (WHTM) – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spent several weeks on the national stage as part of the “Veepstakes” that ultimately went to ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "MSNBC"

What Josh Shapiro should do now (MSNBC)

The Pennsylvania governor can be a huge asset to the Democratic ticket if he can convince the base that he shares its values.

Explore the last week