By Alexander Hall. Media: Fox News
Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa., cautioned hosts of ABC’s “The View” on Friday that former President Trump will prove a worthy opponent for Vice President Kamala Harris in their upcoming presidential debate.
Trump and Harris will face off in Philadelphia for the first time on Tuesday, in a debate moderated by ABC News. While Harris taking on the mantle of the Democratic Partyās standard-bearer has indeed shaken up the race, Shapiro told hosts on Friday that doesnāt change Trumpās skillset, one that even his critics should acknowledge.
“Listen, as much as we want to criticize Donald Trump ā heās a liar, heās all these things ā¦ People know Donald Trump. He is a skilled debater. He is a guy who is willing to say anything at any time just to get through a question, and heās a showman, heās been on TV before,” Shapiro said. “So donāt underestimate Donald Trump.”
He added further, “Now, Iāve known Kamala Harris 20 years. She is tough as nails. Sheās a prosecutor. Sheāll be prepared, as was said before. Sheāll be ready to go. But this is going to be a tough debate.”
Earlier in the same segment, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin noted, “Kamala Harris is running a very different campaign than she did when she ran in the 2020 cycle. Sheās moving to the center on a number of issues. Sheās walked back previously held positions like calling for banning fracking.”
She then asked the governor, “Sheās gearing up to do this must-watch debate with former President Trump on Tuesday, do you think itās a strategic mistake that she hasnāt explained some of these positions sheās changed on more ahead of the debateā¦ because sheās obviously going to get challenged on some of these on a debate stage?”
Shapiro responded by suggesting, “I think itās a sign of strength when you evolve on a position,” citing his own political experience.
Shapiro was a finalist to be Harris’ running mate but was passed over in favor of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Shapiro’s state of Pennsylvania is considered perhaps the most important battleground in the 2024 election, with 19 Electoral College votes up for grabs. The past four presidential election winners have captured the state.