David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist, hinted that Vice President Harris’s choice not to select Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) as her running mate was a decision made collaboratively rather than unilaterally.
During a CNN roundtable with Dana Bash on Tuesday, Axelrod disputed the notion that Shapiro was overlooked due to a perceived lack of “VP energy,” suggesting instead that the decision was mutual. Axelrod’s comments followed Harris’s announcement that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) would be her running mate, a choice made over other candidates like Shapiro and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).
CNN special correspondent Jamie Gangel noted that Shapiro might have anticipated not being selected, citing sources who claimed he had reservations about being the vice presidential candidate. According to Gangel, Shapiro expressed a desire for a remarkable role in the administration, preferring a more influential position rather than being a secondary figure.
Some Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson (La.), suggested that Shapiro’s exclusion might be linked to antisemitism or criticism of his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Critics of these claims argue that such accusations are antisemitic, given Shapiro’s Jewish identity and similar positions on Israel held by other Democratic contenders.
Axelrod, himself Jewish, addressed the antisemitism allegations, expressing concern over its misuse. Harris, in announcing Walz as her choice, highlighted his commitment to middle-class families and his background as a National Guard member and educator. Shapiro, meanwhile, pledged his full support for the Harris-Walz ticket and committed to campaigning vigorously for their election in November.
