Conservative political commentator Hugh Hewitt has ignited a fierce debate by declaring that the Democratic Party in the United States has a "Jewish problem." His remarks, made on Monday 19 January 2026, came in response to revelations in Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's upcoming memoir.
Shapiro's Revealing Account of VP Vetting
In an excerpt published by the New York Times on Sunday, Governor Shapiro detailed his vetting process to become Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate. He recounted that a member of the Harris campaign team asked him if he was a "double agent for Israel." According to Shapiro, the same official also inquired whether he had ever "communicated with an undercover agent."
Shapiro, a prominent Jewish Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, stated he found the line of questioning offensive. He wrote that when he raised this concern, the questioner dismissed it, saying, "Well, we have to ask," before continuing the interview. Shapiro was ultimately not chosen; Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz instead.
Hewitt's Broad Accusation of Antisemitism
Appearing on Fox News's "America Reports," Hugh Hewitt, a radio host long critical of the Democrats' stance on religion, seized on Shapiro's account. He argued the incident was symptomatic of a wider issue within the party.
"It's astonishing to me that the Democratic Party has a Jewish problem," Hewitt stated. "They don't like them and the left wing is ascendant in the Democratic Party and it's a burden that the Democratic Party candidates in 2028 are going to share with Governor Shapiro."
Hewitt characterised the question about loyalty to Israel as a "classic trope" of an "ancient evil," directly linking it to antisemitic conspiracy theories. He further theorised that the Harris campaign asked the provocative question deliberately. "I think they were trying to drive Josh Shapiro off the ticket," Hewitt said.
Political Fallout and Condemnation
The disclosure has prompted shock and condemnation from across the political spectrum. Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer was unequivocal in his criticism of the alleged vetting questions.
"That kind of insinuation and targeting is antisemitism, plain and simple. No one should be judged or discriminated against because of their faith. We must do better," Gottheimer said, demanding an explanation from the Harris campaign if Shapiro's recount was accurate.
The controversy has thrust questions of bias and religious tolerance back into the heart of American political discourse, casting a shadow over the Democratic Party's internal processes and setting the stage for a contentious election cycle in 2028.
