Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized that Vice President Kamala Harris played a pivotal role in reminding voters about Donald Trump’s presidency, dispelling what he referred to as “brain fog” around Trump’s legacy during their recent debate.
While he did sign a bill that included sanctions on companies working on the project, that move came nearly three years into his presidency, when the pipeline was already around 90% complete – and the state-owned Russian gas company behind the project said shortly after the sanctions that it would complete the pipeline itself. The company announced in December 2020 that construction was resuming. And with days left in Trump’s term in January 2021, Germany announced that it had renewed permission for construction in its waters.
The pipeline never began operations; Germany ended up halting the project as Russia was about to invade Ukraine in early 2022. The pipeline was damaged later that year in what has been described as a likely act of sabotage.
Shapiro’s Position on Harris
Josh Shapiro expressed his belief that Harris successfully addressed an important national issue during her debate with Trump. He articulated that she helped voters recall the implications of Trump’s presidency, thus merging her leadership qualities with critical reflections on the past.
2. Brain Fog Concept
Shapiro suggested that some voters had become confused or complacent regarding Trump’s history as president, a phenomenon he describes as “brain fog”. This indicates a perception that some constituents may have been misled or lost clarity about the impact of Trump’s policies and behavior over the years.
3. Harris’s Debate Performance
During the debate, Shapiro noted that Harris demonstrated decisive leadership and a clear agenda aimed at moving the country forward4. He emphasized her ability to resonate with voters who might not be fully aware of her proposals or track record, positioning her as a viable candidate amidst ongoing uncertainties in the political landscape.
4. Reflection on Trump’s Presence
Shapiro characterized Trump as a “rambling man full of nonsense,” asserting that he was not coherent in his arguments during the debate. This criticism highlights Shapiro’s belief that Trump’s rhetoric lacks substance and distracts from meaningful policy discussions.