Gov. Josh Shapiro's college paper on Palestinians draws critique amid VP running mate speculation

In his college years, Gov. Josh Shapiro, currently 51 years old, expressed controversial views about the ability of Palestinians to achieve a two-state solution in the Middle East. Despite criticism, Vice President Kamala Harris is considering him as her running mate. Shapiro, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, has been a strong supporter of Israel, which has caused tension within the Democratic Party, especially given the recent conflict in Gaza. Shapiro, however, claims that his perspectives have since matured from the time he wrote an opinion piece in his college newspaper, The Campus Times, on September 23, 1993, while attending the University of Rochester in New York. In the article, he expressed doubts about the ability of Palestinians to create a successful homeland, citing them as "too battle-minded" to establish peace within their own territory. 

Despite the backlash, Shapiro maintains that his views have evolved over the years. This revelation has sparked intense debate and speculation about the potential impact on his political career and the ongoing dynamics within the Democratic Party.

Shapiro's Controversial Views

The resurfacing of Shapiro's past opinions has reignited a contentious debate within political circles, particularly concerning the delicate Israeli-Palestinian issue. The scrutiny of his earlier standpoint has also drawn attention to the challenges of reconciling personal beliefs with political responsibilities, especially when it comes to matters of diplomacy and international relations.