Shapiro Claims Harris’ Vetting Team Probed for Israeli Government Ties
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, controversy emerged surrounding Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his connection to Israeli influences during Vice President Kamala Harris’ vice presidential vetting process. Shapiro details this in his upcoming memoir, which sheds light on inquiries made by Harris’ vetting team.
Memorable Vetting Questions
Shapiro recalls an unsettling exchange with Dana Remus, a senior member of Harris’ vetting team and former White House counsel under President Joe Biden. According to Shapiro, Remus posed provocative questions: “Have you ever been an agent of the Israeli government?” and “Have you ever communicated with an undercover agent of Israel?”
Shapiro found these questions offensive and expressed his disbelief regarding their implications. He noted, “If they were undercover, how the hell would I know?” This moment revealed Shapiro’s frustration with the assumptions that appeared to be underlying their inquiries.
Shapiro’s Background and Views
- Shapiro is an observant Jew and a proud Zionist.
- He has faced criticism from some left-wing activists, receiving the moniker “Genocide Josh.”
- His experiences include working on an Israeli kibbutz and volunteering on an Israeli army base during high school.
- In college, he expressed controversial views on Palestinian capabilities to establish a state.
Though his staff downplayed these past experiences, Shapiro stated that his college writings do not reflect his current views.
Interactions with Harris
During a tense interview at the Naval Observatory, Harris challenged Shapiro to apologize for his statements about campus protests at the University of Pennsylvania. He steadfastly replied, “No.” Despite this, he assured her that he could still support her campaign in diverse areas like Dearborn, Michigan, which has a significant Arab American community.
Harris later expressed her concern for Shapiro amid the antisemitic attacks he faced during the nomination process, highlighting their complex relationship built over 20 years. However, this relationship strained during the vetting phase.
Reactions to the Vetting Process
Deborah Lipstadt, a former U.S. special envoy to monitor antisemitism, voiced her discontent over the questions directed at Shapiro, stating they reflect the necessity of a Special Envoy on antisemitism. Former deputy special envoy Aaron Keyak labeled the inquiries as “antisemitic,” emphasizing that he has heard similar questions posed to others over the years.
Political Implications
Shapiro’s memoir suggests ongoing tensions as both he and Harris consider potential runs for the presidency in 2028. Shapiro recalls their conversation about whether Harris could win Pennsylvania without his support, to which he admitted uncertainty.
In the aftermath of their political endeavors, Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, resulting in a loss in Pennsylvania by approximately 120,000 votes.
This unfolding narrative reflects not only personal and political challenges but also broader themes of identity and perception within the political arena, highlighting the impact of accusations and assumptions based on one’s background.
