Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance has sought to stoke a divide that Democrats hope to avoid, claiming Kamala Harris did not pick Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro because of “anti-Semitism” in his own party.
Vance made the comment as some Republican strategists cheered the election of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as his running mate, believing Democrats left one of their top talents on the sidelines by choosing the more low-key — some say boring — Walz as their running mate.
“Well, look, if it’s not Josh Shapiro… I think they wouldn’t have elected Shapiro, frankly, because of the anti-Semitism in his own caucus and in his own party. I think it’s a shame that Democrats have gotten to this point where it’s an open conversation, and it is an open conversation,” Vance said. said Conservative TV presenter Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday morning.
This came after Hewitt told her guest that “if it’s not Josh Shapiro, if they choose Tim Walz, who makes Justin Timberlake look like the most boring man in America. If it’s not Josh Shapiro, that’s because he’s going to be Jewish and because he’s a supporter of Israel.”
In Shapiro, Harris had a potential running mate who had outperformed Joe Biden in his home state and could have helped Harris even in three Republican-held congressional districts.
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance said Vice President Kamala Harris bowed to “anti-Semitism” by not choosing Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whom many Democrats consider a unique political talent, as her running mate.
But his candidacy was already generating pushback in the party’s progressive wing, and there were risks that it could roil a substantial faction of the party that has been angered by the Biden administration’s support for Israel amid its war against Hamas in Gaza.
“They saw what happened during the campus protests in the spring. They saw how fractured his base was,” said one Republican strategist, citing protests and opposition to Biden during the primary in Dearborn, Michigan.
“They were afraid that if Shapiro was elected, those people would stay home,” the strategist added.
“I think Shapiro would have done very, very well. And she’s a much more dynamic political talent than Walz. I think Walz is the equivalent of (Virginia Sen.) Tim Kaine. He’s very boring. I’m not going to lose because of her, but I’m definitely not going to win because of her.”
Biden and Harris have encountered pro-Palestinian protesters at events since Biden launched his campaign, though the “uncommitted” protest movement quieted after Biden’s primary victories and his eventual decision to withdraw from his campaign.
Republicans still believe there is background information about Walz, who served 12 years in the House before winning the Minnesota governorship.
Trump tried to brand him as “dangerously liberal” in a fundraising email that said he would “unleash HELL ON EARTH.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is seen by some Republicans as a “boring” alternative to Pennsylvania’s Josh Shaprio. But he also pioneered the “bizarre” attack on Donald Trump
Republicans circulated a video of Walls telling supporters: “Never reject our progressive values. One person’s socialism is another person’s neighborliness.”
This came after he urged Democrats to find ways to reach out to MAGA supporters. “These are our neighbors and our family members, and deep down they are good people.” he said on a fundraising call.
“Tim Walz? What a relief!” wrote former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.
The Republican National Committee is already rushing to define Walz, calling him “extremely ‘woke'” and saying he “hesitated to commit the Minnesota National Guard for three days while the Twin Cities burned during the riots that followed the death of George Floyd.”
One Democratic strategist described some of the pressure Harris was under before her selection. “I can see them watching the explosion of enthusiasm from young people and being scared to nominate him if it risks bringing Gaza back into the conversation,” the strategist said. Political.
Harris had reasons for choosing the little-known Walz. He pioneered the “bizarre” attack on Donald Trump. His choice will not antagonize his base. And while his state has not been Republican since 1972, he has the ability to campaign in rural areas where Democrats have been losing ground.
The 60-year-old Army National Guard veteran is a homely former geography teacher and high school football coach who can still launch an attack, calling Trump and Vance “a real estate robber baron and a venture capitalist trying to tell us they understand who we are.”
In her official announcement, Harris called him “an experienced leader who has an incredible track record of delivering results for Minnesota families. I know he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign and to the office of vice president.”
Trump posted a two-word missive on his Truth Social platform Tuesday morning, shortly after Harris announced her selection of Walz.
“THANK YOU!” he wrote.