![[ Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro speaks with the press. MAY 27, 2022 - PHILADELPHIA, PA photographer: Governor Tom Wolf]](https://outsidethebeltway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Josh_Shapiro_2022-jpg.avif)
Since yesterday’s announcement of Vice President Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, various reporting outlets have published stories about what led to the decision. In unpacking how Tim Walz, someone who wasn’t seen as a contender a few weeks ago, ended up as the candidate for VP, many of the articles also explore why other people were not picked. In particular, many explore why front-runner Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was not picked.
One key difference emerging between Shapiro and Walz that seems to point to one of the possible reasons was each man’s view of the VP position. From CNN:
Shapiro – who was favored by some of the Democratic Party and anti-Trump Republicans as a more moderate selection – did not go over as well with Harris’ team during his vetting interview, sources familiar with the process told CNN. While Walz came across as deferential and cooperative, Shapiro struck some as overly ambitious, with “a lot of questions” about what the role of the VP would be.
And while Shapiro did “very well” in his in-person meeting with Harris on Sunday, multiple sources said, Walz was seen as a pick that would come with less drama and palace intrigue – both on the campaign trail and, if they win in November, at the White House.
For those of us that have been following Shapiro’s career, this isn’t a suprise. Many people have recognized that Shapiro seems to have his eyes on the Presidency. He’s been identified as part of the future of the Democratic party for a while. So it makes sense that he would be very interested in getting an upfront agreement enabling him to be a very active and public VP in the campaign and moving forward. After all, the role of VP (candidate and serving) comes with significant risks.
First, if he becomes the vice presidential candidate and the ticket loses, he will most likely give up a serious chance at the Presidency going forward. Staying off the ticket keeps 2028 open for him.
If they win, it makes sense that Shapiro would want to maintain a higher profile. Harris, fairly or unfairly, is seen as not being a very visible VP. Shapiro, who is used to being the chief executive of a State, sounds like he wanted more visible responsibilities and decision-making control. This also would enable him to continue to grow his national image and prepare for an eventual White House run.
Having a VP who is interested in being in the spotlight could play havok with a ticket–especially in this condensed contest. And as the Presidential candidate it’s fair for Harris not to want someone who is gunning for her job from the start. Which get’s us to the difference between Shapiro and Walz. Returning to CNN:
In the end, the bigger hurdle for Shapiro was his face-to-face meeting with Harris, where he posed “very specific” questions about the role of a vice president, including what decisions he would be included in making, should they win election.
“He was negotiating the job with her, while Walz was saying ‘What can I do to help?’” said the Democratic adviser, who added that Shapiro was unquestionably a rising star in the party but just didn’t meet the moment and forge a comfortable connection with Harris.
For Walz, the evolution from being seen as a moderate Democrat – winning a Republican-leaning congressional district in 2006 – to becoming a leading progressive governor impressed Harris and her team about his appeal.
Walz’s deferential style was also a huge factor in his appeal with Harris, sources said.
“She wanted to make sure that people understood there are going to be times when you’ll have great influence and there are going to be times when something’s happening and you’re told about it at the last minute,” said one of the people involved in the vetting process. “She said, ‘That’s just the nature of the job and you have to be OK with that.’”
This makes total sense to me. It also matches the general feeling that I get from both candidates. Walz is literally comfortable with a coaching role–being there to support the star player. He appears to be someone nearing the end of his political career and more than happy to be in a supporting role (albeit one of, if not the most, public and important supporting roles in American history). He said as much during his acceptance speech last night. He also quoted Warren Zevon, which is pretty cool in my book.
These are assuredly not the only reasons for the decision. For example, Walz brings many things that Shapiro didn’t, including a very strong relationship with organized labor and good relations with the party’s progressive wing (while also not alienating the Manchin wing). He also brings the experience of being a house member. He also has a relaxed retail politics style, which will be a differentiator when compared to his ticket opponent, J. D. Vance. After all, Walz made “weird” happen.
Shapiro also gets a lot out of this as well. His profile has been raised on the national level. And, again, if Harris loses, he will walk away from this election largely unscathed–even potentially in a stronger position as people will speculate that if Harris had picked Shapiro, she might have won. Even if Harris wins, Shapiro will remain the governor of a critical swing state and get a chance to continue to develop his political skills and reputation.
