Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay A Real Conversation With Gov. Josh Shapiro
Mar 14, 2026
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania governor and memoirist, shares personal stories and a brief bio rooted in faith, family, and bipartisan leadership. He discusses rebuilding trust in policing, driving crime down with prevention and reform, confronting anti-Semitism, and navigating debate on Israel and Gaza. Short, candid conversations mix policy, personal moments, and a bit of basketball banter.
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Politics Should Reflect People Not Theatrics
- Shapiro argues politics should take cues from everyday people rather than define them negatively.
- As governor of a deeply divided swing state he stresses bipartisan problem-solving over media-driven polarization.
Focus On Overlapping Priorities To Get Things Done
- Do prioritize shared goals when governing a split legislature: list mutual priorities and focus on the ones both sides agree on.
- Shapiro meets GOP leaders, trades lists of ten priorities, then advances the three to five overlapping items to deliver results.
Incentives Drive Political Polarization
- Shapiro highlights incentive structures (media and fundraising) that push national politicians toward extremes.
- He contrasts this with local governance where improving daily life (schools, safety, jobs) actually motivates voters.
