NEW YORK – In an opinion piece published Sunday in The New York Times, Binyamin Appelbaum highlights Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as the Democratic leader most capable of winning key swing states, contrasting him with progressive figures like New York’s Zohran Mamdani. Appelbaum argues that while Mamdani’s victory reflects progressive success in major urban areas, it does little to solve the Democratic Party’s broader national challenges. Shapiro, by contrast, has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to govern effectively across diverse constituencies, including exurban and rural areas where Democrats have struggled.
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Shapiro’s appeal lies in his record of delivering practical, measurable results. From overseeing rapid infrastructure repairs—such as reopening a collapsed section of Interstate 95 in just 12 days—to advancing economic development projects in Pittsburgh, he has emphasized efficiency and tangible outcomes over partisan spectacle. His policies mix centrist governance with progressive touches: boosting public school funding while supporting school vouchers, increasing law enforcement resources while protecting union interests, and promoting business investment alongside social welfare initiatives.
Appelbaum underscores that Shapiro’s approach goes beyond policy: it is a consistent performance of competence and urgency. By repeatedly communicating what he is doing and delivering results quickly, Shapiro builds trust in government institutions at a time when public confidence is low. This “government can work” message, Appelbaum argues, is critical for Democrats to reclaim support in battleground states and, ultimately, at the national level.
Shapiro’s centrist philosophy balances reform with preservation. He rejects both the procedural rigidity often associated with the left and the nihilistic tendencies of the right, focusing instead on improving institutions to meet citizens’ needs. Appelbaum suggests that this pragmatism may be what Democrats need to regain credibility with voters, particularly in states like Pennsylvania that are pivotal for national elections.
While Shapiro faces challenges—ranging from potential re-election battles to criticism from progressives—Appelbaum maintains that his brand of politics is a model for Democrats seeking to demonstrate that effective, accountable government is possible. By focusing on tangible results and centrist solutions, Shapiro offers a roadmap for the party to rebuild trust, win swing states, and compete nationally.
Jewish or not, you can’t trust anyone who is ok with boys in girls locker rooms.
No Jew for president, not good for us.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as the Democratic leader Ya that’s why the looser Kamala Harris didn’t choose him as a running mate, all of a sudden he is the future of the party, give me a break
The NYT doesn’t represent the young gen z who are the current and future leaders. It’s growing in size and they are progressive . Sadly, Josh and other level headed democrats including Schumer are old potatoes and boring for them
I’m surprised that the NYT printed this.
The good news is that in the history of the US, a mayor of NY never advanced in politics. Usually after Mayor, their political career was over.
This corrupt mamzer covered up my murder by his buddy. He said I committed suicide by stabbing myself 20 times, including my back and neck. He belongs in prison.
There is no hope for the Democratic Party the Democratic party is now become the anti-semitic party.
At the time of the the ’24 election , then candidate Trump was handicapped by convictions and scandal, and by his own aggressive controversial personality. Any normal plain vanilla conventional candidate on the Democratic ticket would have beaten him. It was the democrat’s election to lose. And they did choose to lose it. They got greedy and had to also push every fringe issue of their agendas: like having a woman elected president; And having a (allegedly) Black person be their their candidate. Had the Democrats played it safe and allowed a candidate to be elected in a new primary to replace Biden, rather than “anointing’ Harris, the Democrats likely would have won.
The fact that the TIMES published this is a giveaway.
He may be “ competent,” but the leftists who have hijacked the party rejected him.
Look for Newsom to get the nomination and make a deal with the devil to choose a nut- job running mate,
Personally, I think Shapiro is a putz – imitating Obama in speeches and wrapping himself in his “ faith,” while attending openings at celebrity Philly treif restaurants. Has publicly attacked Bibi as a hindrance to peace.
Certainly no Lieberman!
Centrists aren’t the future of either party, because unfortunately, there’s incentive to polarize further. I mean, no, you be centrist, while I go even further off to the side, thus dragging the Overton window in my preferred direction.
This is wishful thinking. 30 years go, maybe. Clinton was a centrist. Today, the radical left controls the Democratic party.
NYT in a bubble is sooooo out of touch with America, and now for the 1st time who the young Dems are
even crazy kamala avoided this guy