During the vetting process for Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, two candidates, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, were reportedly questioned about potential foreign agent status. Shapiro recounts in his forthcoming memoir that he was asked if he had ever acted as an agent for Israel, while Walz was asked about China. These inquiries have prompted varying explanations regarding standard vetting procedures and criticism from some Jewish leaders.
Governor Shapiro's Account
Josh Shapiro, who was considered for the Vice Presidential nomination, claims in his upcoming memoir, "Where We Keep the Light," that Dana Remus, a member of Harris's vetting team, questioned him regarding his potential status as an agent for the Israeli government. According to excerpts, Remus specifically asked Shapiro if he had ever been an Israeli agent and if he had ever spoken with an undercover Israeli agent.
Shapiro's account indicates he found the line of questioning objectionable. He responded to the undercover agent inquiry by stating he would not know if someone was undercover. Shapiro, who is Jewish, stated he questioned whether similar inquiries were posed to other candidates, given his status as the only Jewish candidate under consideration.
The inquiries to Shapiro reportedly stemmed from a review of his past activities, including volunteer work in Israel during high school and a brief period in public affairs for the Israeli embassy. He also faced general questions about Israel and his handling of campus protests related to Gaza. Earlier in his career, Shapiro's college writings expressing doubts about a Palestinian-Israeli peace agreement had drawn attention. Shapiro's spokespeople have clarified that his volunteer time in Israel did not involve military activity and that his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have evolved to support a two-state solution.
Vice President Harris's memoir, "107 Days," mentions discussions with Shapiro regarding managing criticism related to Gaza and his college opinion piece. Harris noted Shapiro's commitment to a two-state solution and his public criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Governor Walz's Questioning
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was ultimately selected as Harris's running mate, was similarly asked by the vetting team if he had ever acted as an agent for China. This inquiry was reportedly prompted by the team's review of multiple trips Walz made to China prior to running for office. Both Shapiro and Walz denied being foreign agents when questioned.
Explanations and Criticisms
Sources familiar with the vetting process have indicated that questions regarding foreign agent status are standard practice for individuals considered for high-level federal government appointments, including Vice Presidential running mates. A person close to Dana Remus explained that vetting procedures involve asking potentially uncomfortable or unlikely questions to establish a definitive record of responses from candidates.
Allies of Kamala Harris confirmed Walz's questioning, stating it was part of an effort to clarify vetting procedures, which were expedited due to her assumption of the Democratic presidential nomination.
However, the nature of the questions posed to Shapiro prompted criticism from some Jewish leaders and former officials in the Biden-Harris administration. These individuals cited concerns about accusations of dual loyalty and the intersection of anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments. Deborah Lipstadt, former special envoy for antisemitism, described the questions as "classic antisemitism." Rabbi David Wolpe also raised concerns regarding the focus of the inquiries. Aaron Keyak, a former deputy special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, expressed surprise at the alleged rhetoric, questioning its intent.