Published on August 5, 2024, 12:36 am

In an unexpected twist in Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential candidate search, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has expressed worry about Governor Josh Shapiro being chosen as a running mate. Unnamed sources familiar with the matter revealed that Fetterman and his advisors have privately shared these apprehensions with Harris’s team.

While many progressive individuals disapprove of Shapiro due to his Jewish faith and support for Israel, Fetterman, himself a stout Israel supporter, has distinct concerns. Fetterman’s consultants have conveyed unease over Shapiro’s alleged overriding personal aspirations, an indication of the long-standing rivalry between these two rising Democrats from this politically pivotal state.

The airing of Fetterman’s worries by his representatives points towards the high-stakes VP selection process that will undoubtedly hold significant implications for the Democratic Party’s future trajectory. It is understood that Harris’ list of probable VPs sees Shapiro ranking highly. With interviews lined up for this weekend, Harris intends to introduce her selected running mate at Tuesday’s Philadelphia rally.

According to inside sources who wished to remain anonymous, Fetterman’s objections stem from their contrasting attitudes while jointly serving on Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons. While Fetterman aimed to reform and give second chances to certain convicts via this platform, Shapiro tended to embrace a less forgiving stance, asserting that criminal justice reform was feasible but not through changes in the commutations process. Their dispute was compounded during discussions on Lee and Dennis Horton’s fate; both seemingly wrongly convicted brothers asserted their innocence over a 1993 robbery charge resulting in a fatal shooting.

Reports suggest Harris may reveal her choice as early as Monday before their joint Philadelphia event scheduled for Tuesday. Last week saw circulating social media posts indicating Harris had chosen Shapiro based on video footage posted by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L Parker; however, others believe it might merely be a campaign strategy promoting him as a contender or even floating a speculative idea.

As last-minute lobbying continues on behalf of both Shapiro’s champions and critics, not to mention other hopeful candidates, several Pennsylvania Democrats including Sen. Bob Casey have endorsed Shapiro for VP publicly. Contrarily, Fetterman has chosen to stay quiet. During recent off-the-record discussions, Team Fetterman voiced “full-on, enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris,” despite his personal reservations about Shapiro.

Although Fetterman’s personal concerns might potentially influence the choice of Vice President under a Harris administration, it seems unlikely given their historical competition. These developments ensure that followers of real and trusted news keep a meticulous watch on this critical moment along with hundreds of millions with their Christian Worldview all over America tuning into breaking news from the heart of American politics.