Staff Reports
Amid a media circus that often overlooks the more pressing issues at hand, CNN decided to give airtime to some political drama revolving around Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who apparently may not be on everyone’s Christmas card list after denouncing antisemitic protests on college campuses. According to the ever-vigilant CNN correspondent Audie Cornish, Shapiro could be shaking things up within the activist wing of his party, who might not appreciate his pushback against antisemitism on campuses. It’s almost as if standing up to hate is a political liability!
The conversation, hosted by Abby Phillip and Jake Tapper, poked at the question of why Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota is getting the nod for vice president while Shapiro seems left out in the cold. Phillip tossed around the idea that Shapiro’s stance may not match the mood of some voters who are feeling ambivalent about the Israel-Hamas war, hence his absence in higher political circles. Apparently, endorsing peace and denouncing hate crimes are not always crowd-pleasers for the modern Democratic voting bloc.
CNN's Cornish: Shapiro Might Have Upset Lefty Activists by Denouncing Antisemitic Campus Protests https://t.co/Wt0IkeqUje
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) August 7, 2024
The plot thickens when Tapper joins the conversation, pointing out that Shapiro and Walz essentially share the same views on the Israel conflict. However, as Shapiro is Jewish, it seems his sharp (and necessary) criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might inadvertently paint a target on his back among the more radical elements within his party. Being Jewish undoubtedly adds a layer of complexity; it seems that some in the activist wing prefer to turn a blind eye to antisemitism, regardless of who is doing the speaking.
Cornish dared to suggest that Shapiro’s strong stance against the antisemitic protests might be perceived as a slap in the face to the activist wing of his party. It’s a wild thought: a politician—a Democrat no less—actually taking a principled stand may not sit well with the “peaceful protest” crowd. Perhaps instead of pushing back against bigotry, they’d prefer him to keep quiet and let intolerance run rampant. One cannot help but wonder if standing up for Jewish students and condemning hate is a strategy not just for survival but maybe even for political advancement.
In an astonishing turn of events, the two CNN hosts seemed to entertain the idea that denouncing antisemitism could alienate some party members. What has the world come to when standing against hatred could land you in hot water among your allies? It’s truly a comedy of errors when party loyalty trumps basic decency and moral clarity. Perhaps it’s high time for Democrats to reflect on their values before allowing the activist fringe to dictate who fits their narrow worldview.
