Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro warned the hosts of ABC's “The View” on Friday that former President Trump would be a worthy challenger to Vice President Kamala Harris in the next presidential debate.
Trump and Harris will face off for the first time on Tuesday in Philadelphia, in a debate moderated by ABC News. While Harris' acceptance as the Democratic standard-bearer has certainly upset the race, Shapiro told the moderators on Friday that it doesn't change Trump's skill set, something even his critics should acknowledge.
“Listen, we want to criticize Donald Trump, but he's a liar and he's many things. People know Donald Trump. He's a skilled debater. He's a guy who will say anything at any time to get a question done. He's a showman and he's been on TV,” Shapiro said. “So don't underestimate Donald Trump.”
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was a guest on ABC's “The View.” (ABC)
He added, “I've known Kamala Harris for 20 years. She's very tough. She's a prosecutor. Like I said before, she'll be ready. She'll be ready to go. But this is going to be a tough debate.”
At the beginning of the segment, host Alyssa Farrah Griffin pointed out, “Kamala Harris is running a very different campaign than she did in 2020. She's leaning more toward the center on many issues. She's backed away from her previous positions, like calling for a ban on fracking.”
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She went on to ask the governor, “As she prepares for her must-see debate with former President Trump on Tuesday, do you think it was a strategic mistake in not providing more detail on some of the positions that she has changed prior to the debate… because obviously she's going to be challenged on some of these things on the debate stage?”
“I think evolving your positions is a sign of strength,” Shapiro replied, citing his own political experience.
This photo combo taken at a campaign rally in Atlanta shows Vice President Kamala Harris (left) on July 30, 2024, and former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Aug. 3. (AP Photo)
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Shapiro was a finalist to be Harris' running mate, but was replaced by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Shapiro's state of Pennsylvania is seen as perhaps the most crucial battleground in the 2024 election, with its 19 electoral votes at stake. The winner of the last four presidential elections has carried the state.
