Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro greets the crowd before the start of a campaign rally with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz Aug. 6 in Philadelphia. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

By Lauren Markoe August 6, 2024

Thousands erupted in cheers Tuesday for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, the runner-up in the Democratic veepstakes at the rally where Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris first appeared with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Shapiro delivered a rousing speech to the capacity crowd at Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia in an address that many described as akin to “preaching” — and leaned heavily into his Jewish identity.

“I am proud of my faith,” he said. “I lean on my family and I lean on my faith, which calls me to serve,” he told the crowd.

Shapiro also repeated a saying from Pirke Avot, a Jewish text, which he has used on the campaign trail before: “I’m not here to preach at y’all. But I want to tell you what my faith teaches,” he said. “My faith teaches me that no one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it. That means that each of us has a responsibility to get off the sidelines, to get in the game and to do our part.”

And he told the crowd: “I love you Philly, and you know what else I love? Being your governor.”

In the days leading up to and the hours since Harris made it clear that she was passing over Shapiro, speculation focused on his views about the Middle East, which some said were considered too pro-Israel for the progressive wing of the party.

At least two pro-Palestinian protesters stood outside the arena, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, and several signs posted outside the parking garage said, “No votes for genocide,” “blood on your hands” and “end all U.S. aid to apartheid Israel.”

Walz, when he took the podium, offered praise for Harris but quickly turned to Shapiro. “Pennsylvania, I know you know this, but my God, what a treasure you have in Josh Shapiro.”

He praised Shapiro’s speaking skills. “Holy hell, can this guy bring the fire,” Walz said. “This is a visionary leader.”

And he pointed out Shapiro’s widely praised response to the collapse of a bridge on I-95 last year. “Everybody in America knows when you need a bridge fixed, call that guy.”

Walz also recalled the time he and Shapiro, who have been on friendly terms as governors, went to a Bruce Springsteen concert together: “There is no one you would rather go to a Springsteen concert in Jersey [with] than him.”

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