Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania joins the podcast with record-setting 60% approval ratings and a track record of bipartisan achievement. As a moderate Democrat governing with a divided legislature, Shapiro has focused on economic growth, regulatory reform, and practical governance.

The conversation covers Shapiro's business-friendly policies that have outpaced neighboring states, his approach to permitting reform and fraud prevention, and his critique of both Democratic Party dynamics and Trump administration policies. Shapiro also addresses his experience with the 2024 VP selection process, detailed in his recent book The Way Forward, and discusses his nuanced positions on Israel, anti-Semitism, and the ongoing Iran conflict.

Pennsylvania's Economic Transformation Under Shapiro

Pennsylvania has created more jobs than all but two states while cutting taxes seven times for small businesses, families, seniors, and working Pennsylvanians.

The state transformed its permitting process from bottom five nationally to top five with a money-back guarantee - issuing 40 million permits with only five refunds for late processing.

"We are now the only growing economy in the northeastern part of the United States" with unemployment consistently below the national rate for 32 months - Shapiro.

Barber licensing reduced from 20 days to same-day processing, putting thousands of dollars back in workers' pockets at $200 per day for 20 days.

Workforce Development Beyond College Degrees

Shapiro eliminated college degree requirements for 80,000 state employees on his first day, with 60% of new hires now lacking degrees.

The state tripled funding for VoTech and apprenticeship programs, recognizing that 62% of Pennsylvania's adult population lacks college degrees.

"You want to go learn to be a welder? You're going to make six figures working in a shipyard in South Philadelphia" - Shapiro on trade opportunities.

Crime Reduction and Public Safety Investments

Pennsylvania hired 2,000 more police officers and invested in community violence prevention, resulting in 12% reduction in violent crime.

Fatal gun violence decreased 42% across the Commonwealth while maintaining focus on both law enforcement and prevention programs.

Critique of Trump's Economic Policies

Trump's tariffs caused coffee prices to rise 30%, beef 19%, orange juice 9%, and fertilizer 36% in Pennsylvania.

Gas prices reached $4.15-4.16 in Pennsylvania due to the Iran war, with Shapiro predicting years before prices come down even if the war ends soon.

"Donald Trump chose to push the tariff button" resulting in higher costs for farmers, small businesses, and families trying to cook dinner - Shapiro.

VP Selection Process and Democratic Party Dynamics

In The Way Forward, Shapiro detailed his belief that Biden seeking another term was not in the party's or country's best interest, which he communicated directly to Biden.

Shapiro withdrew from VP consideration 48 hours before Harris selected Tim Walz, calling Sunday evening to inform her he wasn't interested in the position.

"This wasn't about her not picking me because of my faith. This was about me, in the end, not being interested in that job" - Shapiro.

Iran War Criticism and Foreign Policy

"This was a war of choice. The president never defined the objectives. It is clear he doesn't know how the hell to get out of this" - Shapiro on Iran conflict.

Shapiro criticized the administration's shifting explanations, from preventing Netanyahu from forcing America's hand to destroying nuclear capabilities to regime change.

The war resulted in 13 military deaths on "a mission that the president never defined," with Shapiro arguing undefined missions prevent successful exits.

"America's national security interests have not been well served by this" war, which has made the country economically worse off - Shapiro.

Anti-Semitism and Israel Policy Separation

Shapiro has been "very critical of Netanyahu for years and years" as someone "leading Israel down a dangerous and isolated path" who fractured bipartisan American support.

"On anti-Semitism, there should be no nuance" - it must be universally condemned whether from political left or right - Shapiro.

Shapiro advocates for two-state solution with Israel and Palestinian state living peacefully side by side, though acknowledging it's "a long way off given where we are right now."

He warns against the "oldest anti-Semitic tropes" of dual loyalty when suggesting Jews automatically support all Israeli policies.