Josh Shapiro Turns Tables on Republicans’ ‘Freedom’ Rhetoric in DNC Speech

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro turned the table on Republicans’ “freedom” rhetoric during his speech in support of 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 support Harris, who became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July. He was viewed as a potential running mate for Harris, though the nominee ultimately chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
During his speech, Shapiro branded Democrats as the “party of real freedom,” turning the tables on a line frequently used by Republicans. The GOP has cast themselves as pro-freedom, pointing to their policies on issues like the economy and guns.
But Democrats are seeking to neutralize that attack by highlighting Republicans’ policies on matters like reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights.
“While [former President Donald Trump] cloaks himself in the blanket of freedom, what he’s offering isn’t freedom at all,” he said. “It’s not freedom to tell our children what books they’re allowed to read. It’s not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies. And hear me on this. It sure as hell isn’t freedom to say you can go vote but he gets to pick the winner. That’s not freedom.”
He said Democrats should organize based on three American principles—valuing freedom, cherishing democracy, and loving the country.
“Despite our challenges, hear me on this. 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 necessary to win this election and write the next chapter in our American story.”
Shapiro’s support for Harris could be key in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state roughly evenly divided between Democratic and Republican voters. It was one of the closest states in both the 2016 and 2020 elections and is viewed as a must-win for Harris’ chances of winning the Electoral College.
His fiery speech came after he was viewed as a contender to become Harris’ running mate.
Shapiro’s supporters viewed him as a strong option due to his electoral history in Pennsylvania. In 2022, he won the gubernatorial race by 15 points. They argued his presence on the presidential ticket could help deliver the state to Democrats as polls show a tight race.
He was also viewed as a more moderate candidate who could win over centrist Republicans who oppose Trump but may view Harris as more liberal than their ideal candidate.
However, he faced some backlash from progressive Democrats over his past remarks about Palestinians and pro-Palestinian protesters. Although he has stated support for a two-state solution, his remarks seemingly comparing protesters on college campuses to the Ku Klux Klan reemerged, sparking criticism from the left.
Ultimately, Harris did not say why she ultimately picked Walz over Shapiro or other contenders.
However, the DNC provided Shapiro with a platform to build his national profile. He has been named as a future potential presidential candidate for either the 2028 or 2032 races.
Other politicians, perhaps most notably former President Barack Obama in 2004, have used convention speeches in the past to raise their national profile ahead of a presidential run.
Recent polls suggest Pennsylvania is a toss-up between Harris and Trump.
An Insider Advantage poll, conducted from August 18 to August 19 among 800 likely voters, found Trump with a single-point lead over Harris (47 percent to 46 percent). However, a Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll, conducted among 825 likely voters from August 12 to August 15, found Harris leading by 2 points (46 percent to 44 percent).
Pennsylvania has 19 Electoral College votes, making it the largest swing state in the 2024 election. If Harris loses Pennsylvania, she would likely need to sweep every other toss-up state to win.