Politicians, commentators and conservatives reacted to the news that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had been selected as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, arguing that it was evidence that there is an anti-Semitism problem within the Democratic Party.
“The selection of Walz shows just how deep the Democratic Party’s anti-Semitism problem runs,” Elijah Shapiro of the Manhattan Institute wrote on X after Vice President Kamala Harris picked Walz over Shapiro on Tuesday.
Shapiro, who is Jewish, Forced to defend The op-ed, written more than 30 years ago, described his experience as a volunteer in the Israeli army and was derogatory towards Palestinians, bringing his stance on Israel during the vice presidential selection process back to the fore.
Many commentators have argued that Shapiro’s ultimate failure to be elected was due to a wing of the Democratic Party that opposes Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
Democrats attack VP candidate Shapiro, accuse left-wing ‘deeply rooted anti-Semitism’
Vice President Kamala Harris and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (L) hold a press conference during a stop at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. (Ryan Collard/AFP via Getty Images)
“It is astonishing that America right, left and center agree that Josh Shapiro was the best person to be Harris’ running mate, yet in the end, Harris was disqualified because Shapiro is Jewish,” said former Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin. Posted in X.
“This speaks to the state of the Democratic Party today.”
“Let’s be honest,” Republican Senator Tom Cotton said. Post to X“Kamala is the most anti-Israel member of the Biden camp and has consistently sided with Hamas and Iranian interests. Shapiro and Waltz’s views on Israel are not that different. But Harris has pandered to a pro-Hamas, anti-Semitic base that opposes Shapiro because he is Jewish.”
“Kamala Harris picked Josh Shapiro because anti-Semitic progressives don’t like the fact that he’s Jewish,” said NRSC spokesman Mike Berg. He said in a statement.
“This is Harris’ first big decision as a candidate, and she has caved in to the pro-Hamas wing of the Democratic Party.”
BBC chairman denies plea by 200 Jewish staff for formal investigation into anti-Semitism in newsroom
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz smiles with Fridley Mayor Scott Lund during a visit to a Cummins Power Facility in Fridley, Minnesota, Monday, April 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Custer)
Despite not being selected by Harris as her running mate, Shapiro delivered a fiery speech before Harris and Waltz kicked off their battleground states tour in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, sharply criticizing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio).
“I rely on my family and I rely on my faith that calls me to serve,” Shapiro said in his speech, “and I’m proud of my faith!”
“The only reason Josh Shapiro wasn’t chosen as vice president is because he’s a pro-Israel Jew,” said Adam Lowy, a prominent Austin, Texas, lawyer. Post to X“The left would have collapsed. There is no other reason not to pick a wildly popular governor from the most important battleground state.”
“They couldn’t stand proud Jews,” said Richard Goldberg, senior adviser to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Post to X“No matter how much Shapiro apologized for being Jewish or for supporting Israel, it was not accepted. That’s the Democratic Party today.”
“That’s what the left did to Joe Lieberman,” Fox News contributor Ari Fleischer Post to X“Now they’ve done the same thing to Josh Shapiro. The Democratic Party is not a place for strong supporters of Israel. It’s time for the Jewish community to recognize that the strength of the Democratic Party lies in its anti-Israel progressive base.”
Click here to get the FOX News app
US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event at Westover High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on July 18, 2024. (Alison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images)
“If it wasn’t Josh Shapiro … they wouldn’t have chosen Shapiro, quite frankly, because of the anti-Semitism within their own party and within their own party,” said J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate. said Tuesday morning before the photo was released.
Fox News Digital reached out to Harris’ campaign for comment but did not receive a response.
