Aides to former Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly expressed doubts about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, pondering if he might be linked to the Chinese Communist Party before selecting him as her running mate.
Reports indicate that during their thorough examination of Walz, aides looked into his history, particularly his multiple trips to China prior to entering the political arena. His connections to China date back to when he taught there in the late 1980s, following the events of Tiananmen Square. Records reveal that he returned frequently afterward and led student trips to China over the years.
Questions arose from Harris’ aides about whether Walz had any ties that could suggest he acted on behalf of a foreign government, something Walz has denied.
Harris, who became the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Biden decided not to pursue re-election, also scrutinized Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro during the vetting process. Shapiro mentioned in his memoir that he faced similar questioning about being an “agent of the Israeli government,” an implication that he found offensive and often associated with anti-Semitic sentiment.
Dana Remus, previously a White House counsel under Biden, was part of Harris’ review team. She questioned Shapiro in 2024 about his potential connections to Israel, prompting Shapiro to reflect on how uncomfortable he found the inquiry.
As the questioning progressed, Remus reportedly became more confrontational, even inquiring if Shapiro had ever interacted with an Israeli undercover agent. Shapiro’s response was somewhat dismissive, noting how challenging it would be to know such details.
Shapiro recalled that Remus seemed to be fulfilling her duties, yet her questions left him questioning the judgment of those surrounding Harris.
Throughout his youth, Shapiro had spent time in Israel and even volunteered at a military base, adding tension to the perceived allegations of dual loyalty. High-profile individuals like Deborah Lipstadt criticized the insinuations of divided allegiances as “classic anti-Semitism.”
As scrutiny continued, Harris questioned Shapiro on his public stance against anti-Semitism, especially in light of his criticisms regarding the University of Pennsylvania’s handling of anti-Israel protests, as sources close to the vetting process revealed.
Ultimately, Harris chose Walz for her ticket, highlighting his military background and connection to working-class voters as key selling points. However, this choice came amid a litany of tensions between Harris and Shapiro’s camps.
After Harris’s loss to Donald Trump in the general election, the vetting process has faced increased examination, raising questions about the decisions that shaped the Democratic ticket. Sources reached out to Dana Remus for comment, but none from Harris, Shapiro, or Walz were available.
Shapiro’s memoir, published by Harper, is set to be released soon.
