General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe case for Tim Walz
Shapiro does not "win" you PA. (He doesn't lose it either, to be clear.) No VP candidate guarantees a state. It just doesn't work like that. There are plenty of good reasons to pick him, but he doesn't come with five points built in to win the election. I personally believe Tim Walz appeals to swing voters nationwide in a way Shapiro won't quite reach. Yes I am saying deploying Walz in Bucks county will be more effective than Shapiro. Yes I know that seems counterintuitive.
That doesn't mean Walz wins PA for you. It means that if Walz is more effective in swing counties in PA, he will be more effective nationwide. Walz has a depth and length of experience Shapiro doesn't have, so he is completely qualified, and connects with middle America.
Does Shapiro help the campaign? Sure. It isn't like there are weak picks, here. But I think Walz fills a role similar to Biden under Obama. Down to earth, collaborative, and willing to do nuts and bolts work.
Most of all, I see Walz, like Biden, getting the hard negotiations done when it comes time to pass legislation. We can't discount the relationships he built in Congress.
Bottom line: Josh Shapiro does not fit a profile of a VP. He fits the profile of a nominee which he may well be someday.
Just not this day.
questionseverything
(10,067 posts)democrattotheend
(12,008 posts)I live in PA and I like Shapiro but I think he's a little too much of a rising star to be someone Kamala can fully trust. I also really don't want to deal with the anti-semitism on the far left and far right and the fact that the media will almost certainly make hay out of the divisions in the party over Israel.
Tim Walz at least on paper seems perfect in terms of a governing partner - more low key, has connections in Congress and the executive experience she's said to be looking for. He seems like he has the most potential to be Kamala's own Joe Biden, which is more valuable in the long run unless she absolutely thinks she needs Shapiro to win Pennsylvania.
questionseverything
(10,067 posts)After all as governor he has the bully pulpit and influence
I have not heard one thing about walz that I dont like and I have lists for most of the others
MaryMagdaline
(7,858 posts)DFab420
(2,951 posts)pattyloutwo
(406 posts)I love all of them but I think Walz and Beshear have the most potential for winning over swing votes in swing states which we need.
questionseverything
(10,067 posts)And make the rock feel good he could help!