In a stunning development, President Joe Biden has officially announced he is dropping out of the 2024 Presidential Election, shaking up the political landscape and intensifying speculation about his potential successor. The news has sparked a flurry of activity on social media, particularly on X.com (formerly known as Twitter), where the hashtag #WhereIsJoeBiden is trending as users question the president’s whereabouts and next moves.
Biden’s decision to exit the race has shifted the spotlight to Vice President Kamala Harris, who now has Biden’s endorsement as the Democratic nominee. This endorsement has opened up discussions about potential running mates, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro emerging as a prominent contender. Shapiro’s name has repeatedly cropped up in conversations, signaling a possible reshuffling within the Democratic Party as they prepare for the convention in Chicago next month, where delegates will select the party’s nominee.
The Washington Post reported that Shapiro is among several potential vice-presidential picks currently being vetted in a process funded by major Democratic donors. Other notable names on the list include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Shapiro’s appeal lies in his potential to deliver Pennsylvania’s crucial electoral votes, a state often seen as a bellwether in presidential elections.
Shapiro, a 51-year-old Georgetown Law graduate, was elected governor in 2022 with a significant margin over state Senator Doug Mastriano, a high-profile supporter of Donald Trump. Before his tenure as governor, Shapiro served as the state attorney general and a state representative from Montgomery County, near Philadelphia. His leadership gained national attention following the rapid reopening of the I-95 overpass after a collapse in June 2023, and his profile was further elevated following the attempted assassination of Trump in Butler County on July 13, where he received bipartisan praise for his response.
Political analyst Chris Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, described Shapiro as a “slam dunk” for the Democrats, citing his popularity in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. “He’s from Pennsylvania, the most coveted swing state,” Borick said. “He’s very popular here, high approval ratings as governor of the state, and seen as a rising star within the [Democratic] party.”
Despite only serving two years as governor, Borick argues that Shapiro’s previous experience as attorney general strengthens his resume. “You can fall back on [Shapiro’s] work as attorney general and make a case that he’s been engaged in lots of these issues for a longer time than less than two years,” he said.
Shapiro’s potential candidacy also draws attention due to his Jewish heritage, as he would become the highest-ranking Jewish politician in American history if elected. This aspect could potentially galvanize Jewish voters, especially those disaffected by recent protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Shapiro’s potential departure from the governor’s office would lead to Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis assuming the role, with Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, a Republican, becoming the lieutenant governor, marking a rare occurrence of a bipartisan executive leadership in Pennsylvania.
Following Biden’s announcement, Shapiro tweeted a tribute to the president, emphasizing Biden’s achievements and expressing his gratitude for the president’s leadership. “President Biden is a patriot who has served our country honorably in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most consequential presidents in modern history,” Shapiro tweeted. “President Biden has gotten an incredible amount done to move our country forward, defend our democracy, and protect real freedom. I am proud to work by his side and am grateful for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania — the Commonwealth that raised him.”
Shapiro also expressed his support for Harris, stating, “The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency. The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania – where this collective work began.”
The response on social media, particularly X.com, has been immediate and fervent. Users are speculating on Biden’s next steps, with many asking, “Where is Joe Biden?” amid the trending hashtag #WhereIsJoeBiden. The digital discourse reflects the uncertainty and high stakes of the upcoming election, as the Democratic Party rallies to consolidate support and strategize for the challenges ahead.
Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Bob Casey and other prominent Democrats have quickly lined up behind Harris, emphasizing the importance of unity and focus in the face of a critical election. “With women’s rights, workers’ rights, and voting rights on the line, the stakes of this election for Pennsylvania and the Nation couldn’t be higher,” Casey stated. “Vice President Harris has been leading on those fights and as a former prosecutor, she will draw a clear contrast between herself and former President Trump. She is prepared to be Commander-in-Chief and is the best person to meet this moment.”
As the Democratic Party navigates this unexpected turn of events, the potential candidacy of Josh Shapiro as Harris’s running mate remains a focal point, promising a dynamic and closely watched lead-up to the 2024 election.
