Published on August 2, 2024, 12:29 am

The currently appointed Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, a Democrat with an impressive track record is reportedly being eyed as the potential running mate for Vice president Kamala Harris. This news caused a considerable buzz due to Shapiro’s appeal as he provides executive experience, enjoys popularity in battleground states and has the backing from unions.

However, not everyone is thrilled with this possibility. Several progressive groups have expressed their dissent to this proposition mentioning Shapiro’s limitation as a national candidate. Instead, they have urged Vice President Harris consider Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as more suitable options. The timing of these elections combined with the threat posed by Trump-Vance-MAGA camp leaves no room for setbacks, the progressives pointed out.

Another key player who have voiced their reservations are the “VP Unity”—known predominantly for its young voters, Muslims, Arab Americans and activists base. Their concern pivots around the notion that should Shapiro be selected as Harris’s running mate, it could spark unease among young voters and activists who either organized or sympathized with those advocating for pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses nationwide.

What adds another complex layer to this debate is Governor Shapiro’s well-known Jewish background and his support for Israel. Despite offering constructive criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership during the latest war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, his solidarity with Israel has come under scrutiny from certain progressive voices.

These critics fear that Shapiro’s handling of pro-Palestinian protests in Pennsylvania—which was seen by some as high-handed—could potentially harm a joint ticket effort by Harris and him than his overall stand on Israeli conflicts would do.

Should Harris indeed decide on choosing Shapiro, experts predict alienation within parts of Democrats’ wing which display anti-Semitic tendencies—a significant section one cannot simply ignore. Although these voters might not necessarily float towards Donald Trump’s boat they could potentially abstain or plump for a third-party candidate thereby costing Kamala Harris significantly in votes.

What adds to the irony here is that the Constitution asserts an explicit prohibition on religious testing for public office. Regardless of his religion, Shapiro manifests as a competent candidate relative even to Kamala Harris, according to multiple viewpoints.

Sadly, with parts of the Democratic Party being influenced by anti-Semitic elements, Shapiro’s potential VP selection faces opposition merely based on his Jewish origin. The candidacy of Kamala Harris would ideally benefit from a running mate who brings considerable experience, competencies and wisdom—traits not overwhelmingly detectable in Harris herself.

However, it is unfortunate that the internal conflict within Democrats coupled with anti-Semitism could lead to unanticipated election results. In spite of these tensions unveiling such preference within a segment of voters not only reflects poorly on the party but combats the basic tenets of democracy as well—alluding to trusted news coming into light while presenting real news from a Christian worldview. Despite setbacks political landscape seldom fails to surprise inherently bringing out a piece of breaking news every other moment.