Tensions surface within the Democratic Party as Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman addresses reservations about Governor Josh Shapiro being a vice presidential candidate.
According to Politico, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman's team has communicated his concerns to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding the potential selection of Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate, highlighting their longstanding rivalry and differing views.
Senator Fetterman, through conversations initiated by his advisers, has made it evident that he considers Governor Shapiro's political ambitions a significant concern. These discussions come at a critical juncture as Vice President Harris gears up to unveil her chosen running mate next Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Advisor insights suggest that the discord between Senator Fetterman and Governor Shapiro isn't new. Their conflicting approaches became particularly apparent during their tenure on Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons.
Their divergent views on criminal justice reform were on full display, notably during the deliberations regarding clemency applications for the Horton brothers, Lee and Dennis Horton, in December 2019.
Governor Shapiro has consistently defended his stance on criminal justice, championing a case-by-case evaluation method during his term as attorney general.
Governor Shapiro spokesperson Will Simons stated:
The governor evaluates every pardon case individually and on its merits, and during his time as attorney general, he approved more pardons and commutations than all of his predecessors over the last 25 years combined. He is proud of his record of delivering meaningful criminal justice reform while making Pennsylvania communities safer.
Their history of disagreement dates even further back to their roles before the Board of Pardons when Fetterman was lieutenant governor and Shapiro served as the attorney general. During this period, ideological clashes were frequent and set the stage for their current standoff.
Support for Governor Shapiro also echoes within the current administration. A senior advisor to President Biden remarked on the matter, commenting on the president's appreciation of Shapiro's work, saying, "The president is a big fan of Shapiro and thinks [Governor Tim] Walz is a blast."
As the decision looms, Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for Vice President Harris, remained tight-lipped about specific discussions, simply stating, "Vice President Harris has directed her team to begin the process of vetting potential running mates." The mixed support within Democratic circles for Shapiro's potential nomination underscores the intricate dynamics at play in the selection process.
Senator Fetterman has been vocal about several issues, including his commitment to the cause of the Horton brothers. "The trajectory of my career in public service will be determined by their freedom or lack thereof," Fetterman commented to The Philadelphia Inquirer, underlining his dedication to justice reform.
While Governor Shapiro has been under scrutiny from left-wing activists and criticized regarding school vouchers and how sexual harassment claims have been handled under his watch, he remains a significant figure in the Democratic Party's future considerations.
In conclusion, as Vice President Harris approaches her announcement of a running mate, the internal dynamics and public endorsements within the Democratic Party underscore the diverse perspectives and potential tensions inherent in such a decision. Senator Fetterman's and Governor Shapiro's differing viewpoints, particularly evident in their work on criminal justice reform, highlight the broader debates on policy and leadership style within the party.
