Dean Phillips says America should be ready for a Jewish vice president

(NewsNation) — Former Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips believes the people of the United States should be able to accept a Jewish vice president, despite some media rhetoric following Kamala Harris' decision to run for the presidency.

"I am a little surprised in this day and age that somehow, maybe, breaking barriers may stop at people of the Jewish faith," Phillips said Tuesday on "Dan Abrams Live."

His comments were made in reference to Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro, expected to be on the shortlist of Democrats who could join Harris' ticket as the vice presidential candidate. Shapiro has been in politics since 2005 and has held the swing state's highest office since 2023 with a platform of economic and environmental innovation.

"The fact of the matter is, you know, we're Americans," Phillips added. "Judaism is a faith. It's a religion, not an ethnicity or a nationality. It's almost strange and disconcerting that we're even having the conversation."

The discussion between Phillips and host Dan Abrams comes after Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary under the George W. Bush administration, said on Fox News he would be shocked if Democrats picked a Jewish vice-presidential nominee.

CNN anchor John King shared a similar sentiment, calling a Jewish running mate a "risky" choice. (Both Fleischer and King are Jewish.)

"I think most of us know John King was just reporting the truth," Phillips said. "Anybody Jewish knows that there are some people who are antisemites, they're on the left, they're on the right."

"I hope she picks Josh Shapiro, I think he'd be a magnificent pick," Phillips said. He also acknowledged that Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish.

Phillips also touched on the potential for Harris to turn to the more left-wing, pro-Palestinian members of the party as her campaign advances.

"I believe Kamala Harris is more common sense, reasonable and, ultimately, moderate than most people believe," he said. "She is a prosecutor by trade in California, of course ... and she does not have to pander to the far-left in a primary."

Phillips abandoned his long-shot bid against incumbent President Joe Biden in the early stages of the race. The three-term congressman has also made it clear he won't run against Harris, telling NewsNation on Sunday: “I have no intention to run. I think my mission has been accomplished.”

Other potential vice president picks include Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.