Shapiro gets roars as he backs Harris, Walz ahead of rally

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) received rock star treatment in Philadelphia at a rally introducing the Harris-Walz ticket, giving a preview of what his role could look like as a campaign surrogate ahead of November. 

Shapiro, who lost out to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on being Vice President Harris’s running mate, entered the event space at Temple University to roaring applause, vowing to supporters that as governor he would continue to “focus on getting s— done for all of you.”

“I’m going to be working my tail off to make sure we make Kamala Harris and Tim Walz the next leaders of the United States of America,” Shapiro said. 

The governor went on to praise Harris, calling her “someone I’ve been friends with for two decades.” 

“She is courtroom tough, she has a big heart, and she is battle-tested and ready to go,” Shapiro said. 

The governor also praised Walz as a “dear friend” and “a great man.” Additionally, Shapiro complimented Walz’s use of the term “weird” to describe former President Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). 

“Tim Walz in his beautiful Midwestern, plainspoken way, he summed up JD Vance the best: ‘He’s a weirdo,’” Shapiro said. 

Harris’s vice presidential decision came down to Shapiro and Walz. While Shapiro was once considered the favorite for the position, progressives and pro-Palestinian activists criticized the governor over his stance on Israel and handling of pro-Palestinian protests. 

Critics of progressives and Shapiro’s allies said the attacks were rooted in antisemitism, pointing to Shapiro’s identity as an observant Jew and his similar stances on Israel to the other Democratic vice presidential contenders. 

It’s an attack line Republicans have adopted as they seek to go after the Harris-Walz ticket.

At Tuesday’s rally, Shapiro made efforts to help his party move beyond the dispute.

Shapiro wrapped his remarks Tuesday, citing his faith. 

“I lean on family and I lean on my faith, which calls me to serve, and I am proud of my faith,” Shapiro said. 

While she did not ultimately choose him to be her running mate, Harris will lean on Shapiro to help deliver Pennsylvania’s 19 Electoral College votes in November. Shapiro has won multiple statewide elections in the state and is seen as a rising star within the Democratic Party. 

Harris offered praise for Shapiro in her remarks at the Philadelphia rally Tuesday. 

“It is so good to be here with your incredible Gov. Josh Shapiro,” the vice president said. “Together with Josh Shapiro we will win Pennsylvania.”