Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 21, 2024. V Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

By Jacob Kornbluh August 21, 2024

Twenty years ago in Boston, Massachusetts, an unknown young state senator from Illinois took the stage at the Democratic National Convention and delivered a speech that elevated him into the ranks of his party’s rising stars. Soon after a senator, Barack Obama, would go on to make history four years later as the first Black president of the U.S.

On Wednesday night in Chicago, a similar moment unfolded. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, widely regarded as a potential first Jewish president, captivated the Democratic convention with oratory skills reminiscent of Obama, who addressed delegates and the nation the night before. 

Shapiro’s brief speech addressed the nation’s challenges while invoking the enduring promise of America, echoing themes that propelled Obama into the national spotlight.

“In every chapter of our American story, we’ve made progress and advanced the cause of freedom,” Shapiro said. “Today, we find ourselves writing the next chapter. Will we be a nation defined by chaos and extremism, or will we choose a path of decency, honor, and continued progress?” 

In a powerful endorsement of Harris, Shapiro told the nation, “You have the power to shape the future of this country – just like our ancestors who fought for freedom on the battlefield, and sat in at lunch counters so their kids could stand up.” 

Shapiro was a favorite on the shortlist for vice president, regarded as a formidable choice for Democrats after the withdrawal of President Joe Biden from the race. But Shapiro was also subject to an aggressive social media campaign led by pro-Palestinian activists aimed at keeping him off the ticket for his pro-Israel stance and criticism of the college protests. Republicans suggested that the internal Democratic politics on Israel and antisemitism influenced Harris’ decision to bypass Shapiro. The Harris campaign called those accusations “absurd.” During the DNC, Shapiro blasted former President Donald Trump for promoting that charge.

Shapiro delivered his remarks the same evening Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was scheduled to give his acceptance speech. If Shapiro felt any mixed emotions, he concealed them expertly.

While the audience responded with enthusiasm, Shapiro avoided directly addressing his Jewish identity, focusing instead on the broader issues facing the nation. His presence at the convention reaffirmed his position as a rising star within the Democratic Party, regardless of the vice-presidential pick. In the days preceding his appearance on stage, the Pennsylvania governor was one of the most popular speakers at the daily state delegation breakfasts. He spoke at several events each day and made the media rounds. 

Nonetheless, Shapiro may not be as lucky as Obama was. If Harris wins the presidency in 2024 and 2028, Shapiro won’t seek that office, at least until 2032. 

Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President, said he felt proud watching Shapiro rise to a prominent national role. “The guy has got a future,” he said. “He is young. He is going nowhere but up. We have not seen the last of Josh Shapiro.” Levine, a pro-Israel Democrat running for NYC comptroller and who faced antisemitism earlier in his public career, said he was “hurt” by how unfairly Shapiro was treated by the left in recent weeks.

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