Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday dismissed accusations that Vice President Harris’ choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) as her running mate was influenced by the “public anti-Semitic campaign” against Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D), another leading contender for the vice presidential nomination.
“Governor Walz is an excellent choice to be Kamala Harris’ running mate. He is a military veteran, teacher, coach and bipartisan negotiator, first as a pro-Israel, independent-minded legislator and more recently as a unifying and effective governor for the state of Minnesota,” Goldman, who is Jewish, wrote. statement.
“It is unacceptable and disappointing that some in the Democratic Party have waged an open anti-Semitic campaign against Governor Shapiro,” he continued. “After several conversations today, I am confident that Vice President Harris was not influenced by them in her selection of Governor Walz.”
Mr Shapiro’s stance on Israel and the Israel-Hamas war has been a particular focus of attention in recent weeks during Ms Harris’ “vice presidential inauguration”, drawing criticism from some on the far left for being too pro-Israel.
Some Jewish Democrats, including Goldman, have pushed back, saying Shapiro’s views are in line with those of the other vice presidential candidates and that he is facing increased scrutiny only because he is Jewish.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, on Tuesday argued that religion was what prevented Shapiro from being selected.
“I [religion] “Obviously a big factor was the reluctance to have a Jewish candidate as a running mate because of the divisions within the Democratic Party,” Johnson said. “You have a pro-Palestinian wing within the Democratic Party, and in some cases, pro-Hamas wing.”
No Democratic lawmakers have voiced support for Hamas, and both President Biden and Vice President Harris have reiterated their strong support for Israel amid the conflict.
“Unfortunately for Josh Shapiro, I think his background is why he was overlooked,” Johnson added, later clarifying that he stopped short of calling the reason anti-Semitism.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), who was Trump’s running mate, said Tuesday that Shapiro “had to run away from his Jewish traditions.”
Shapiro himself praised Walz’s selection as a “strong addition” to Harris.
“I’m a fervent supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, and Gov. Tim Walz knows that VP Kamala is an incredibly strong candidate who will help move our country forward,” he said.
Walz’s stance on Israel was praised by Israel Majority Democrats on Tuesday as a “proud pro-Israel Democrat with a strong record” of supporting U.S.-Israel relations.
