Progress or extremism: Josh Shapiro asks Americans which path they want to chart at DNC

“Today we find ourselves writing the next chapter. Will we be defined by chaos or extremism? Or will we choose a path of decency and continued progress?” Josh Shapiro said.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro introduced himself to the nation in front of tens of millions of Americans watching the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. 

Shapiro warned that America has reached a pivotal crossroads moment and that Americans have to determine which path the country will chart in the coming years and decades — just like they have throughout the nation’s history. 

“Two and a half centuries ago in Philadelphia, a band of patriots declared their independence from a king — and set ourselves on a path of self-determination,” Shapiro said in the opening lines of his speech. 

“Generation after generation has embraced that responsibility. Ordinary Americans, rising up, demanding more, seeking justice. And in every chapter of our American story, we’ve made progress and advanced the cause of freedom.”

“Today we find ourselves writing the next chapter. Will we be defined by chaos or extremism? Or will we choose a path of decency and continued progress?” 

Wednesday’s lineup at the convention featured a star studded line-up of national Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and was capped off with Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. 

Shapiro started his political career after getting elected to the Pennsylvania House in 2005 and then went on to serve as Montgomery County Commissioner prior to becoming Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2016. 

Since day one as attorney general, Shapiro promised to be a thorn in former President Donald Trump’s side, and then went on to soundly defeat a Trump-endorsed candidate to become governor in 2022. 

“Donald Trump — a man with no guardrails — wants to take away our rights and freedoms,” Shapiro said. 

“While he cloaks himself in the blanket of freedom, what he’s offering isn’t freedom at all. Because it’s not freedom to tell our children what books they’re allowed to read! It’s not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies! And it sure as hell isn’t freedom to say you can go vote, but he gets to pick the winner.”

“That’s not freedom!” Shapiro said. “Democrats, we’re the party of real freedom.”