According to sources close to him, Senator John Fetterman is concerned that Vice President Kamala Harris might choose Josh Shapiro as her running mate.
As reported by Breitbart News, sources close to Senator John Fetterman have revealed his unease over the prospect of Governor Josh Shapiro being chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
Fetterman's advisors suggested that the senator is worried about Shapiro’s focus on his own ambitions. This concern is rooted in a long-standing rivalry that dates back to their shared tenure on Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons.
The rivalry between John Fetterman and Josh Shapiro has intensified as both have risen in Pennsylvania's political landscape. While President Joe Biden's endorsement of Kamala Harris as the presumptive nominee has bolstered Shapiro's candidacy, Fetterman remains wary.
Fetterman's advisors argue that Shapiro is overly ambitious. Despite these reservations, Shapiro's track record and moderate political stance make him an appealing choice for Harris, especially considering Pennsylvania's crucial role as a swing state.
Fetterman and Shapiro consistently clashed on criminal justice reform during their time on the Board of Pardons. Fetterman sought to rejuvenate the board and grant second chances, whereas Shapiro often opposed Fetterman's more lenient positions.
One notable clash between the two centered on the cases of Lee and Dennis Horton. The Hortons, convicted for a 1993 shooting and robbery, have long maintained their innocence. These cases highlighted the differing philosophies of Fetterman and Shapiro.
In defense of his position, Shapiro’s spokesperson emphasized his comprehensive evaluation of each pardon case. The spokesperson pointed out that Shapiro has approved more pardons and commutations in the last 25 years than any of his predecessors.
Critics from the far-left wing of the Democratic Party have also scrutinized Shapiro for his pro-Israel stance. An anti-Palestinian op-ed he wrote in 1993 revealed his controversial views, citing his skepticism towards Palestinian self-governance.
In the op-ed, Shapiro disclosed his experience volunteering at an Israeli army base as a teenager. He voiced doubts about the Palestinians' ability to establish a peaceful homeland, a stance that continues to draw criticism.
Despite these concerns, Shapiro's spokesperson defended his record on the Board of Pardons, highlighting his significant contributions to criminal justice reform. Shapiro’s team argues that his decisions are rooted in making Pennsylvania communities safer.
Yet, the larger question remains unanswered: Will Vice President Kamala Harris select Josh Shapiro as her running mate? Fetterman's concerns paint a picture of a broader ideological battle within the Democratic Party.
Senator Fetterman's qualms about Governor Shapiro's perceived ambitions are not without merit. Given their history on Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons, Fetterman’s worries present a notable subplot in the unfolding narrative of the upcoming presidential election.
