Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is being viewed by Republicans as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris who could help broaden her appeal with independent voters and traditional Democrats. Shapiro, a first-term governor, is seen as a moderate who could attract disaffected voters of faith and potentially be a stronger candidate than Harris herself. Despite bipartisan praise for his handling of various issues, Shapiro has faced criticism from Republicans for his energy policies, school voucher plan, and handling of sexual harassment claims.
The Trump campaign has been taking Shapiro’s potential selection seriously, with advisers considering the impact of a Harris-Shapiro ticket on their own strategy. Republicans in Pennsylvania are divided on Shapiro, with some praising his appeal to moderate voters, while others criticize him on various policy issues and his lack of experience on a national level. Democrats on the left are also skeptical of adding him to the ticket, preferring candidates like Roy Cooper of North Carolina.
Overall, the selection of a vice presidential candidate may not have a significant impact on the election outcome, but Republicans are preparing to challenge Harris in Pennsylvania, seeing her as a weaker candidate than Biden due to her lack of roots in the state. Shapiro’s potential influence on rural voters and his bipartisan image are factors being considered by both parties as the 2024 election approaches.
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