PHILADELPHIA – Gov. Josh Shapiro was greeted with a standing ovation on Tuesday from thousands of people attending a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris and her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Shapiro’s appearance at Temple University’s Liacouras Center came hours after Harris announced her pick for a Democratic vice presidential candidate. Along with Shapiro, Walz and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly had been contenders, but Harris ultimately chose the Midwestern governor.
Shapiro issued a statement following Harris’ announcement, expressing his “enthusiastic support” for the Harris-Walz ticket. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause on Tuesday evening when he came out to give his remarks.
“I love you Philly,” Shapiro said. “And you know what else? “I love being your governor, thank you very much.”
Shapiro, of Abington, was in Montgomery County just last week stumping for Harris alongside Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at a rally at Wissahickon High School. Still in his first term as governor, Shapiro has become a rising Democratic star on the national stage.
“I’m focusing on getting s*** done for all of you,” Harris said to thousands situated inside the university arena. His remarks were met with forceful, repeated, expletive-filled “get s*** done” from attendees.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks in national politics since President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and endorsed Harris. Harris racked up numerous endorsements and formally secured the Democratic nomination in a virtual roll call session, she said on Tuesday.
The change in the political landscape appeared to revive Philly suburban county Democrats with less than four months until the general election.
Harris and Walz are slated to face off in November against Republican candidates former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Harris’ running mate selection came with varying reactions from voters across the greater Philadelphia region who had grown enthusiastic about a Montgomery County native potentially being on the ticket.
“We’d love to see Shapiro in there, but I also didn’t want to lose him as governor. Honestly, I was happy with all the contenders. I think she made a really good choice,” said Conshohocken resident Stacy Dolenti.
“I really wish it was Josh over the other guy,” said Timothy Ferris, of Cedar Heights in Whitemarsh Township, referring to Walz.
“We would have been OK with Gov. Shapiro,” said Kate Sommerer, of Yardley. “Obviously, we’re proud of the job he’s done for us, but I think Walz brings something a little bit different, a little more progressive, and I think it will drive turnout for the younger generation.”
“I think she gave Gov. Shapiro very strong consideration and for good reason,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija said of Harris’ decision. “He’s been incredibly accomplished in terms of what he’s been able to do in public service, and he’s 18 months into his term as governor. He still has a lot of work to do, which he said himself, and so certainly there’s more to do here in Pennsylvania, and I’m sure he’ll be on the trail making sure we all win.”
Both candidates sang Shapiro’s praises on Tuesday, as Harris characterized him a “dear friend and an extraordinary leader.” Walz called Shapiro a “visionary leader.”
“My God, what a treasure you have in Josh Shapiro,” he said, adding “holy hell, does this guy bring the fire.”
“Everybody knows when you need a bridge fixed, call that guy,” Walz said, referencing the June 2023 collapse of a stretch of I-95 in Philadelphia that was repaired in 12 days. The incident was a defining moment of Shapiro’s first term and showcased his trademark collaboration abilities to get things done.
Shapiro rose through the ranks of Pennsylvania government throughout his tenure, serving as a state legislator, Montgomery County Commissioner, state attorney general, and governor.
With 90 days until the November general election, Harris, Walz and other top Democrats on the ballot appear to count on Shapiro’s continued support across the battleground state, metropolitan areas and surrounding suburban counties.
“I’m going to be working my tail off to make sure we make Kamala Harris and Tim Walz the next leaders of the United States of America,” Shapiro said.
“Together with Josh Shapiro we will win Pennsylvania,” Harris said.
In the meantime, Shapiro reassuresd the thousands of people in attendance of his unwavering devotion to public service in the Keystone State.
“And I want you to know, I am going to continue to pour my heart and soul into serving you every single day as your governor,” Shapiro said.
Source: Berkshire mont