What's happened
Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, sidelining Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Critics suggest Shapiro's Jewish identity influenced the decision, prompting Harris's campaign to reject these claims as offensive. The choice reflects ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel and antisemitism.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reported that critics, including Alan Dershowitz, questioned whether Harris's decision was influenced by Shapiro's Jewish identity, calling the claims 'ridiculous and offensive.' The Independent highlighted Harris's commitment to combating antisemitism, emphasizing Shapiro's support for the ticket despite the controversy. The New York Times noted the broader implications of the decision, suggesting it could create friction with Jewish voters wary of the Democratic Party's leftward shift. Axios pointed out the unique scrutiny Shapiro faced compared to non-Jewish candidates, framing it as a potential double standard within the party.
How we got here
Harris's decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of her administration's stance on Israel, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Shapiro, a pro-Israel figure, faced a progressive backlash that questioned his views, leading to speculation about his exclusion from the ticket.
Common question
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What are the antisemitism claims in the political campaign against Shapiro?
Recent political developments have sparked discussions about antisemitism within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding the selection of Tim Walz over Josh Shapiro as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate. This decision has raised questions about the influence of Shapiro's Jewish identity on the campaign. Below, we explore the allegations, the party's response, and the potential implications for future elections.
More on these topics
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Joshua David Shapiro is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. He previously served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and as chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
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Jews or Jewish people are an ethnoreligious group and a nation originating from the Israelites and Hebrews of historical Israel and Judah.
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Timothy James Walz is an American politician who is the governor-elect of Minnesota. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 1st congressional district since 2007.
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.