CNN's Van Jones on Josh Shapiro

Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a choice that has sparked contentious debate. Conservative pundit Scott Jennings suggested that anti-Semitism within the Democratic Party influenced Harris's decision, arguing that Shapiro's Jewish identity would have angered the party's far-left factions. This claim was met with backlash from other panelists, who pointed to Shapiro's past support for Israel amid rising tensions over civilian casualties in Gaza, which may have hurt his candidacy. CNN correspondent Jamie Gangel added that Shapiro had reservations about the vice presidency and desired a more significant role, which may have played a part in Harris's choice. The controversy highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding issues affecting young voters and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Overall, the selection reflects a strategic decision by Harris to appeal to different party factions while navigating significant political pressures.