Gov. Josh Shapiro returned to his native Montgomery County on Monday with a purpose: to campaign on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Let me tell you, it is so good to be home. This is the community that raised me, it’s the community that taught me so much,” Shapiro told a crowd of more than 1,000 people inside the Wissahickon High School circle gym.
He wasn’t alone. A fellow Democratic heavyweight on the national stage, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, joined him at the Lower Gwynedd Township school with less than a month until the Democratic National Convention and 99 days until the 2024 general election.
This comes in the days following President Joe Biden’s announcement on July 21 that he suspended his reelection campaign. He endorsed Harris, offering his “full support.” She’s since racked up numerous endorsements from high profile politicians and secured support from delegates, including in Pennsylvania.
Shapiro was among those who backed the vice president as she embarked on the presidential campaign. With Pennsylvania and Michigan as two long standing swing states, and Montgomery County as a key battleground area, the two high-profile governors campaigned hard for Harris.
While Harris has yet to select a vice presidential candidate for her ticket, speculations of several Democratic politicians for her short list may include Shapiro and Whitmer. Shapiro rose through the Pennsylvania ranks from state representative, county commissioner, attorney general, and now governor.
By James Short "I for one am really fully behind him as the vice presidential pick. I think he would be an incredible running mate for Kamala Harris,” said state Sen. Maria Collett, D-12th Dist. “I think he would be an incredible vice president for our nation, and it would really elevate our commonwealth to have him at the top of the ticket.”
“First, on Gov. Shapiro, really proud to be a Pennsylvanian, really proud that he is Montgomery County’s own, and when I think about all of the things that he has done to support working families right here in Pennsylvania, I couldn’t be more proud that he is a potential contender for the vice president of the United States,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder. “So I know it’s an inherently personal decision for Vice President Harris in terms of who her running mate will be … I’m confident that if he’s selected as her running mate that he will represent Pennsylvania well.”
By James Short
Among those in the audience were elected officials representing Montgomery County constituents at the county, state and federal levels. All underscored the important role Pennsylvania’s third most populous county will play in 2024.
“It’s thrilling, absolutely thrilling, and it says what we all know that this is going to be the area to watch,” U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th Dist. said. “We are the Keystone state, we will be it again, and Montgomery County is going to be the key to the keystone.”
Winder agreed.
“It means that Pennsylvania is such an important state in this upcoming election,” she told MediaNews Group. “It means Montgomery County is key to getting Kamala Harris over the finish line in November, and so the fact that we have two governors, that are heavyweights in advancing our democratic agenda right here in Montgomery County shows how critical this area is.”
By James Short Collett agreed as she expressed her excitement for Shapiro and Whitmer’s attendance in her hometown.
“They have been talking for a long time about what it means to defend our democracy,” she said. “I’m so grateful that they’re doing it right here through Montgomery County, and they’re spreading the word about the Harris for President campaign.”
The August convention will cement the Democratic nominee who will face off against Republican nominees former president Donald Trump and vice presidential candidate Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.
Harris visited Montgomery County in May, holding an event at Salus University as the vice presidential candidate. On Monday, Shapiro and Whitmer touted Harris’ accomplishments and attributes that would serve her well as the nation’s commander in chief.
“We believe in real freedom in this commonwealth and in this country, and you know who else believes in real freedom? Kamala Harris believes in real freedom,” Shapiro said.
By James Short “Freedom is the center of mind for all of us when we head to the polls in November,” Whitmer said. “We know that there is a person who will stand shoulder-to-shoulder for us to fight for our freedoms, and that is Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris understands the challenges we face. She’s been fighting for the people of Pennsylvania and Michigan every day as vice president.”
The rally featured some lighter moments as Whitmer acknowledged Philadelphia’s sports culture, making sure to shout out to the Phillies and drop a “Go birds.”
By James Short Both governors repeatedly blasted Trump, speaking on topics of abortion, education, the environment, infrastructure, the Supreme Court, and Project 2025. The initiative, also known as the 2025 Presidential Transition Project, lays out a conservative blueprint on government agencies and executive powers.
Shapiro urged voters that Trump “keeps trying to rip away our fundamental freedoms.” Trump’s criminal record was also mentioned after the former president was convicted on 34 felonies in May.
“Vice President Harris has dedicated decades of her life to public service. As district attorney, she put crooks and sex offenders behind bars, and it makes me think maybe that’s why Donald Trump is so scared of her,” Whitmer said with echoes of laughter and applause heard from the audience.
Democrats expressed their desire for a different path forward. Dean and Winder underscored the significance of Shapiro’s words being spoken in Montgomery County.
“It means a lot and also [Shapiro] knows the power of this county, and the Democratic voices in this county who don’t want us to go back. We don’t want to return to the dark days of Donald Trump.” Dean said. “We want to make sure we get rid of some of the horrible legacies of Donald Trump and the vision for the future. It’s going to run right through Montgomery County.”
By James Short “What I think will help us win this election is drawing the stark contrast between Kamala Harris and Donald J. Trump,” Winder said, as she called for the need for “a clear and concise message that helps people leave here feeling energized and with something of value to talk about as to why she’s the best person for the job.”
Shapiro and Whitmer concluded Monday’s rally by reminding attendees there’s still more work to be done before Election Day. They called on Democratic supporters to volunteer, donate and share the message of Monday’s rally with their friends and neighbors. Democrats agreed continued enthusiasm and momentum are key.
“This election isn’t just about a name on the ballot, it’s an election about all of us and what it is we’re willing to fight for,” Shapiro said. “What it is that we’re willing to work for and what kind of future we want to build for our children and our grandchildren.”
This article appears courtesy of a content share agreement between Wissahickon Now and The Lansdale Reporter. To read more stories like this, visit https://www.thereporteronline.com.
