Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was on the short list to be Kamala Harris’ running mate. He’s an influential leader in a swing state and could have shifted the balance of the electoral college. While Shapiro was the most compelling VP candidate, Harris was pressured not to choose him because he is Jewish and made statements in support of Israel. A strong antisemitic group within the Democratic Party held his Jewish ethnicity against him. And Harris did not want to lose their votes. In part, this has come about because of Israel’s war against Hamas. It’s also the result of identity politics, which focuses on ethnicity and skin color rather than merit and accomplishment, which is totally anathema to our founding ideals.