CNN political commentator Sharmiel Singleton explained Sunday why he thinks Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro could hurt Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign if he is selected as her running mate.
Singleton appeared on “State of the Union” to discuss Harris' shortlist of running mates. Reportedly Hosting a final meeting with the candidates, CNN commentators noted that Shapiro was the “worst” choice Harris could make because it could affect her chances of winning Michigan. (Related article: Rep. Jamaal Bowman endorses all of Harris' running mates except Josh Shapiro)
“I want to touch on the Shapiro issue. Looking at Michigan, I think he could be the worst possible candidate of all possibilities. We're seeing the past resurfacing,” Singleton began.
“Is it bad for Democrats or bad for Republicans?” CNN host Dana Bash interjected.
Singleton went on to say that Michigan could affect Harris' campaign because a “vast majority” of Muslim voters could abstain from voting, just as they did during President Joe Biden's February primary.
“The Democrats and Vice President Harris will win Michigan. He's been in trouble for past comments he's made about Palestinians. Some of his rulings as governor regarding state employees and their potential advocacy work could lead to their firing, which has drawn criticism from younger progressives and created quite a conundrum,” Singleton said.
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“I think there's a significant number of Muslims in Michigan who absolutely would stay home, and the vice president can't afford to lose a significant number of Muslims, comparing 2020 to now,” Singleton continued. “So if I were a Democrat, I would look for someone else. I don't think it's the best choice, strategically.”
But Bash noted that Shapiro's stance on protests, the Middle East, Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “pretty much the same” as the other vice presidential candidates, with the “only difference” being that the Democratic governor is Jewish. The CNN host asked Singleton if Harris “should give in to that,” with the political commentator highlighting the “manifestation” of “anti-Zionism” on the part of some in the party.
“Well, you know how I feel on that issue. I'm extremely pro-Israel. You and I have talked about that a lot. But I think this speaks a little bit to the issues with young progressive Democrats around the ceasefire. I think we're likely to see protests on college campuses again. You and I have talked about that,” Singleton said. “I don't think it's a good thing, but it does indicate that there is at least, I wouldn't say broadly, some semblance of anti-Zionism within the Democratic Party. At best, I would say, it's a problem.”
Harris reportedly met with six candidates over the weekend and is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming days. according to Harris' running mate also includes Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, in addition to Shapiro, the Associated Press reported.
Opposition to the Pennsylvania governor comes from elsewhere. party Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, is said to have major concerns about Shapiro joining Harris' campaign, believing the governor is focused on his own personal ambitions, three sources said. Said Politico.
And New York Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman came under fire online for endorsing only Walz and Beshear after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer withdrew from the race, with some users accusing him of being anti-Semitic.
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