The selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics alleging that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was passed over due to his Jewish heritage and strong pro-Israel stance. This decision has amplified existing tensions within the Democratic Party, revealing deep-seated divides over issues related to Israel and antisemitism.
Political commentators and conservative voices were quick to seize on Harris's decision, interpreting it as a concession to the Democratic Party's progressive wing, which has been critical of Israel. "The Walz selection shows just how deep the Dems' antisemitism problem runs," tweeted Ilya Shapiro of the Manhattan Institute. His sentiments were echoed by former GOP Congressman Lee Zeldin, who posted, "Shapiro being Jewish disqualified him. It says so much about the state of today's Democratic Party."
The accusations have thrust the issue of antisemitism into the national spotlight, with critics arguing that Harris caved to anti-Israel sentiment within her party. "Kamala Harris did not pick Josh Shapiro because antisemitic progressives did not like that he is Jewish," said NRSC spokesperson Mike Berg. This sentiment was echoed by Senator Tom Cotton, who accused Harris of pandering to "pro-Hamas, antisemitic" elements within the Democratic Party.
Despite the uproar, Shapiro delivered a powerful speech at a Philadelphia rally, emphasizing his commitment to his faith and public service. "I lean on my family and I lean on my faith which calls me to serve," Shapiro declared. His speech underscored the frustration felt by his supporters, who view his exclusion as a blatant act of discrimination.
Critics argue that Shapiro's exclusion is part of a broader trend within the Democratic Party to marginalize pro-Israel voices. Fox News contributor Ari Fleischer drew parallels to past incidents, stating, "The Left did it to Joe Lieberman. Now, they did it to Josh Shapiro. The D party is not home for strong supporters of Israel."
However, not all reactions were critical. Some Democrats defended Harris's choice, arguing that the selection of Walz was based on a holistic assessment of qualifications rather than religious bias. Minnesota state Senator Ron Latz, who is Jewish, stated, "I don't think passing over a person who is Jewish necessarily means you're antisemitic. I think you've made a judgment call based on all the qualifications."
The controversy comes at a time when Middle East politics are becoming increasingly divisive. Harris's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict has been a point of contention, with Republicans accusing her of being insufficiently supportive of Israel. Former President Donald Trump remarked, "I actually don't know how a person who's Jewish can vote for her," following Harris's comments on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The debate over Harris's VP pick highlights the broader struggle within the Democratic Party to balance progressive and centrist views, particularly on issues related to Israel. J Street, a pro-Israel PAC, praised the selection of Walz, calling him "an excellent choice," while Senator Bernie Sanders emphasized Walz's track record of delivering for working families.
As Harris prepares for the 2024 election, her decision to bypass Shapiro will likely remain a contentious issue, with implications for the party's relationship with Jewish voters and its stance on Middle Eastern affairs. The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America's executive director, Nathan Diament, stressed the importance of Harris addressing the allegations directly. "It's very important that she come out and explicitly repudiate that campaign and reassure people that it did not play a role in her thinking," Diament said.
