Josh Shapiro on How Kamala Harris Can Win Pennsylvania
Sep 16, 2024
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Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania who won by a significant margin in 2022, shares his insights on the critical 2024 election. He emphasizes the importance of appealing to Independents and Republicans to secure victory in the purple state. Shapiro discusses the high stakes of Pennsylvania's electoral votes and the necessity of personal engagement in politics. He also dives into the dynamics of vice presidential nominations and the impact of faith and beliefs on political discourse, particularly regarding current issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Winning Pennsylvania requires engaging Independents and moderate Republicans, not just relying on Democratic support.
Candidates must actively reach out to rural communities, demonstrating commitment to represent all Pennsylvanians effectively.
Deep dives
The Importance of Pennsylvania in the 2024 Election
Pennsylvania is increasingly viewed as a critical battleground in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential elections, holding 19 electoral votes that can sway the outcome. Traditionally leaning slightly Democratic, the state has shifted into a competitive 'purple' status, evidenced by closely contested races in previous elections. Despite this trend, recent political dynamics were highlighted by Democrat Josh Shapiro's significant victory in the governor's race by nearly 15 points, showcasing his high approval ratings. The competitive nature of presidential races in Pennsylvania is underscored by razor-thin margins, requiring candidates to secure not just Democratic votes but also appeal to independents and moderate Republicans to succeed.
Campaigning in Diverse Communities
To win voter support in Pennsylvania, it is essential for candidates to engage with a wide array of communities beyond major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Shapiro emphasized the importance of reaching out to rural areas that are often overlooked, as evidenced by his campaign's presence in places like Beaver County and Tioga County. He noted that these efforts are crucial for earning the trust of voters who may not have supported him in the past. Building relationships in these communities demonstrates a commitment to being a representative leader for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of their political affiliation.
Addressing Challenges and Controversies
Kamala Harris's campaign faces several hurdles in Pennsylvania, particularly around her shifting stance on fracking. Having previously opposed the practice, her revised support has drawn skepticism, leading critics to label her change as a 'flip-flop.' However, Shapiro articulated that changing one's mind, based on listening to constituents, can actually reflect strength in leadership. This perspective aligns with his own journey, where he reevaluated his stance on the death penalty, demonstrating that genuine political evolution can resonate positively with voters when communicated effectively.
In 2024, all eyes are on Pennsylvania: its nineteen electoral votes make it the largest swing state, and it’s considered a critical battleground for either or to win the White House. For many years, Pennsylvania trended slightly blue, but the state has become deeply purple—with a divided state House and a series of razor-thin margins in general elections. One notable exception to this was the 2022 Pennsylvania governor’s race. The Democrat Josh Shapiro won by almost fifteen points against a Trump-aligned Republican, and his approval ratings in the state remain high. “To win in Pennsylvania, you’re not winning with only Democrats,” Shapiro told David Remnick. “You’ve got to get like-minded Independents and Republicans.” Shapiro was on the shortlist of candidates for Harris’s pick for Vice-President—which may be the cause of attacks from Donald Trump, including one calling him an “overrated Jewish governor.” He spoke with Remnick to talk about Harris’s of Minnesota’s governor, , as her running mate, and what it takes for a Democrat to win Pennsylvania. “We’re a big state, but we’re still a retail state,” Shapiro said, “meaning you got to show up!”