Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to choose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has sparked controversy and accusations of antisemitism within the Democratic Party.

Harris’s selection of Walz over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish, led high-profile Republicans to claim that her decision was influenced by fears of antisemitic sentiments among Democratic grassroots activists, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Republican Allegations of Antisemitism

Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) voiced concerns over the implications of Harris’s choice, suggesting that Shapiro was passed over due to his Jewish heritage.

Vance stated, “Many, many people said repeatedly that the reason Kamala Harris was going away from the Josh Shapiro selection is because they were worried about antisemitism.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that concerns about antisemitism played a significant role in the decision-making process.

Johnson remarked, “I think that clearly was a major factor, is that she was reluctant to put a vice presidential nominee on the ticket with Jewish heritage because they’re having a split in the Democratic Party.”

Further criticism came from the Trump campaign’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who claimed that Harris caved to pro-Hamas sympathizers within her party by not selecting Shapiro. Leavitt stated, “Choosing a running mate is Kamala Harris’ first major decision as the Democrat Party nominee, and choosing Far-Left Governor Tim Walz proves how dangerously liberal she is.”

Shapiro’s Response and Democratic Unity

Shapiro expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged his support for the Harris-Walz ticket. “I’m going to be working my tail off to make sure we make Kamala Harris and Tim Walz the next leaders of the United States of America,” said Shapiro.

In defending his faith, Shapiro stated, “I lean on my family, and I lean on my faith, which calls me to serve. And I am proud of my faith.”

Commentators like CNN’s Van Jones called for discussions on antisemitism within the Democratic Party following Harris's choice.

Jones emphasized the complexity of the situation, stating, “You can be for the Palestinians without being an anti-Jewish bigot, but there are some anti-Jewish bigots out there. And there has to be conversations about how much of what just happened is caving into some of these darker parts in the party.”

Calls for Clarity from Harris

Nathan Diament of the Orthodox Union stressed the importance of Harris addressing the antisemitism narrative. “It is imperative that Vice President Harris clearly communicates to the public, particularly to the American Jewish Community, why she thinks Tim Walz is her best running mate,” said Diament.

Diament also highlighted the potential impact on Jewish voters in key states, stating, “In a state like Pennsylvania, there are enough Jewish voters that in a closely contested election, they can just make the difference between whether Harris wins or Trump wins. And so she’s going to need to reassure the Jewish voters of Pennsylvania as well as Michigan and in Wisconsin.”

Despite the controversy, Democratic pollster Mark Mellman dismissed the claims of antisemitism as "absurd." He pointed out Harris’s personal and professional relationships with Jewish people and the Democratic Party's longstanding support for Israel, despite internal pressures.

Reactions Within the Democratic Camp

Mellman acknowledged the presence of antisemitic sentiments among a small faction within the party, which he condemned. “There was a level of antisemitic speech, antisemitic invective from some, from a small element in the party that is really abhorrent, and it needs to be condemned,” said Mellman.

Addressing Harris's policy stance, Mellman stated, “The exact wording may change on some things because the candidate is Kamala Harris, it’s not Joe Biden, and that may change some nouns and pronouns and so on, but I don’t think it’s going to change anything in the substance.”

Jon Reinish, a Democratic strategist, expressed confidence in the party’s unity and support for Harris’s decision. “Any decision will always be met with some kind of disappointment. I will say the Democratic Party is unified, and the Democratic Party wants to win,” Reinish remarked.

Harris’s selection of Walz has intensified debates within the Democratic Party and provided ammunition for GOP criticisms. The ongoing discussions underline the complex dynamics at play and the need for clarity and unity moving forward.