In his speech to the Democrats, Josh Shapiro turns the tables and criticizes the Republicans’ “freedom rhetoric”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro turned the tables on Republicans’ “freedom” rhetoric in his speech supporting Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Wednesday.

Shapiro took the stage on the second night of the DNC in Chicago to endorse Harris, who became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July. He was considered a potential running mate to Harris, although he ultimately nominated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

In his speech, Shapiro called the Democrats the “party of true freedom,” reversing what Republicans often claim. Republicans have portrayed themselves as pro-freedom and pointed to their policies on economic and gun issues.

But Democrats are trying to neutralize this attack by highlighting Republican policies on issues such as reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights.

“While [former President Donald Trump] “He cloaks himself in the cloak of freedom, but what he's offering is no freedom at all,” he said. “It's not freedom to tell our children what books they can read. It's not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies. And listen to me. It's certainly not freedom to say you can vote, but he can pick the winner. That's not freedom.”

He said Democrats should organize themselves on the basis of three American principles: appreciation of freedom, cultivation of democracy and love of country.

“Despite our challenges, you can hear me. I have never been more hopeful because I see in all of you the enduring promise of America,” he said. “You all give me hope and you all have the power, so let's use that power. Let's do the hard work it takes to win this election and write the next chapter of our American story.”

Shapiro's support for Harris could be crucial in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state that is split about evenly between Democratic and Republican voters. The state was one of the closest in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, and Harris will desperately need to win it if she wants to win the Electoral College vote.

He gave his fiery speech after he was considered one of the contenders for Harris's vice presidential candidacy.

Shapiro's supporters saw him as a strong option because of his electoral history in Pennsylvania, where he won the 2022 gubernatorial election by 15 points. They argued that his presence on the presidential ticket could help flip the state to Democrats, as polls indicate a close race.

He was also seen as a more moderate candidate who could appeal to centrist Republicans who oppose Trump but may consider Harris more liberal than their ideal candidate.

However, he has faced some backlash from progressive Democrats over his past comments about Palestinians and pro-Palestinian protesters. Although he has expressed support for a two-state solution, his comments seemingly comparing protesters on college campuses to the Ku Klux Klan have resurfaced and sparked criticism from the left.

Ultimately, Harris did not say why she ultimately chose Walz over Shapiro or another candidate.

However, the DNC provided Shapiro with a platform to build his national profile, and he has been mentioned as a future potential presidential candidate for the 2028 or 2032 elections.

Other politicians, most notably former President Barack Obama in 2004, have used convention speeches in the past to boost their national standing in advance of a presidential bid.

Recent polls suggest that Harris and Trump are neck and neck in Pennsylvania.

Trump is ahead of Harris by one percentage point (47 percent to 46 percent), according to an Insider Advantage poll of 800 likely voters conducted Aug. 18-19. But Harris is ahead by two percentage points (46 percent to 44 percent), according to a Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll of 825 likely voters conducted Aug. 12-15.

Pennsylvania has 19 votes in the Electoral College, making it the largest swing state in the 2024 election. If Harris loses Pennsylvania, she would likely have to win in all other tie-breaking states to win.