Josh Shapiro Turns Tables on Republicans’ ‘Freedom’ Rhetoric in DNC Speech

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro turned the desk on Republicans’ “freedom” rhetoric throughout his speech in assist of Vice President Kamala Harris on the Democratic Nationwide Conference (DNC) on Wednesday.

Shapiro took the stage on the second night time of the DNC in Chicago to assist Harris, who grew to become the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July. He was seen as a possible working mate for Harris, although the nominee finally selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Throughout his speech, Shapiro branded Democrats because the “social gathering of actual freedom,” turning the tables on a line ceaselessly utilized by Republicans. The GOP has solid themselves as pro-freedom, pointing to their insurance policies on points just like the economic system and weapons.

However Democrats are in search of to neutralize that assault by highlighting Republicans’ insurance policies on issues like reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights.

“Whereas [former President Donald Trump] cloaks himself within the blanket of freedom, what he is providing is not freedom in any respect,” he stated. “It is not freedom to inform our youngsters what books they’re allowed to learn. It is not freedom to inform girls what they will do with their our bodies. And listen to me on this. It certain as hell is not freedom to say you possibly can go vote however he will get to select the winner. That is not freedom.”

He stated Democrats ought to arrange primarily based on three American ideas—valuing freedom, cherishing democracy, and loving the nation.

“Regardless of our challenges, hear me on this. I’ve by no means been extra hopeful as a result of I see in all of you the enduring promise of America,” he stated. “You all give me hope and also you all have the ability, so let’s use that energy. Let’s do the laborious work essential to win this election and write the following chapter in our American story.”

Shapiro’s assist for Harris might be key in Pennsylvania, an important battleground state roughly evenly divided between Democratic and Republican voters. It was one of many closest states in each the 2016 and 2020 elections and is seen as a must-win for Harris’ probabilities of profitable the Electoral Faculty.

His fiery speech got here after he was seen as a contender to grow to be Harris’ working mate.

Shapiro’s supporters seen him as a powerful choice on account of his electoral historical past in Pennsylvania. In 2022, he received the gubernatorial race by 15 factors. They argued his presence on the presidential ticket might assist ship the state to Democrats as polls present a decent race.

He was additionally seen as a extra average candidate who might win over centrist Republicans who oppose Trump however might view Harris as extra liberal than their splendid candidate.

Nevertheless, he confronted some backlash from progressive Democrats over his previous remarks about Palestinians and pro-Palestinian protesters. Though he has acknowledged assist for a two-state resolution, his remarks seemingly evaluating protesters on faculty campuses to the Ku Klux Klan reemerged, sparking criticism from the left.

Finally, Harris didn’t say why she finally picked Walz over Shapiro or different contenders.

Nevertheless, the DNC supplied Shapiro with a platform to construct his nationwide profile. He has been named as a future potential presidential candidate for both the 2028 or 2032 races.

Different politicians, maybe most notably former President Barack Obama in 2004, have used conference speeches previously to boost their nationwide profile forward of a presidential run.

Latest polls recommend Pennsylvania is a toss-up between Harris and Trump.

An Insider Benefit ballot, performed from August 18 to August 19 amongst 800 probably voters, discovered Trump with a single-point lead over Harris (47 % to 46 %). Nevertheless, a Redfield & Wilton Methods ballot, performed amongst 825 probably voters from August 12 to August 15, discovered Harris main by 2 factors (46 % to 44 %).

Pennsylvania has 19 Electoral Faculty votes, making it the most important swing state within the 2024 election. If Harris loses Pennsylvania, she would probably want to comb each different toss-up state to win.