What's happened
In his new book, governor Josh Shapiro recounts being questioned by Kamala Harris's team about his views on Israel during the 2024 vice-presidential vetting process. The questions, which included offensive inquiries about being an Israeli agent, reveal a contentious and politically charged vetting process.
What's behind the headline?
The vetting process exposes the politicization of national security questions, especially around Israel, during high-stakes political selections. Harris's team’s focus on Israel and loyalty tests reveal underlying biases and the extent to which identity politics influence candidate evaluations. Shapiro’s account suggests that questions about his Jewish identity and views on Israel were not only personal but also politically motivated, aiming to scrutinize his loyalty and ideology. Harris’s own negative portrayal of her vice presidency hints at internal frustrations with the role, possibly influencing her vetting approach. The contrasting accounts between Harris and Shapiro underscore the contentious nature of political vetting and the potential for bias to shape candidate selection, which could impact future campaigns and perceptions of loyalty in American politics.
What the papers say
The New York Times, The Independent, and the New York Times provide detailed accounts of Shapiro’s recounting of the vetting process, highlighting the offensive questions about Israel and the political tensions involved. The New York Times emphasizes the offensive nature of the questions and the broader implications for Jewish politicians, while The Independent notes Harris’s team’s interest in his background and the questions about his stance on Israel. Harris’s memoir, '107 Days,' offers her perspective, claiming Shapiro’s ambitions and desire for power influenced her concerns. The sources collectively reveal a story of intense political scrutiny, underlying biases, and the personal toll on the candidates involved.
How we got here
The story stems from Shapiro's memoir, 'Where We Keep the Light,' where he describes the intense vetting process during Harris's vice-presidential selection in 2024. The vetting focused heavily on his stance on Israel, reflecting broader political tensions and concerns about loyalty and ideology among potential candidates. Shapiro, a Jewish governor of Pennsylvania, was considered a top contender but was ultimately not chosen, amid questions about his views and ambitions.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Questions Did Kamala Harris’s Team Ask Shapiro During Vetting?
In his new memoir, Governor Josh Shapiro reveals the intense and sometimes controversial questions he faced during the 2024 vice-presidential vetting process by Kamala Harris’s team. The focus on his views on Israel and the nature of the questions shed light on the political vetting process and its potential implications. Below, we explore the key questions asked, why Israel was a contentious topic, and what this all means for political candidates today.
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How Do US Politicians View the Israel-Hamas Conflict?
The Israel-Hamas conflict continues to dominate headlines, raising questions about how US politicians are responding. From bipartisan concerns to foreign policy implications, understanding their perspectives is crucial. Below, we explore the key questions shaping political debates and what they mean for the future of US involvement in the Middle East.
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What Does Shapiro’s Experience Tell Us About Political Vetting?
Recent revelations from Governor Josh Shapiro’s memoir shed light on the intense and often contentious vetting process for US political figures, especially concerning their views on Israel. This story raises important questions about how politicians are scrutinized, the biases involved, and what this means for future elections. Below, we explore key questions about political vetting, alliances, and the impact on American politics today.
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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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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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Dana Ann Remus is an American attorney. She serves as White House counsel to U.S. President Joe Biden, since January 2021. Prior to her appointment as White House counsel, Remus was general counsel for Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign.