Josh Shapiro urges voters to choose a "path of decency" in DNC speech

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered a rousing speech Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention , urging voters to fight for "real freedom."

The big picture: Shapiro, a rising star in the Democratic Party, was thrust into the national spotlight when he landed on Vice President Kamala Harris ' running mate short list last month, and speculation is growing about his ambitions beyond Pennsylvania.

Driving the news: Shapiro spoke in a lineup of Democratic powerhouses including former President Clinton, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz .

• He channeled Pennsylvania's history of resistance as an enduring ethos for the current election, asking: "Will we be a nation defined by chaos and extremism, or will we choose a path of decency, honor and continued promise?"

Catch up quick: Shapiro is an important surrogate for Harris in Pennsylvania, a battleground state she must secure to win the presidency.

• He has spent the week rallying delegates and union members behind the vice president during appearances at the DNC in Chicago.

Zoom in: Shapiro, whose speaking style has been compared to former President Obama, drew the crowd to its feet several times during his powerful six-minute speech Wednesday.

What they're saying: "While [Trump] cloaks himself in a blanket of freedom, what he's offering isn't freedom at all," he said.

• "It's not freedom to tell our children what books they're allowed to read. It's not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies."
• "Hear me on this: It sure as hell isn't freedom to say you can go vote, but he gets to pick the winner. That's not freedom."

The bottom line: Shapiro ended his speech with his pragmatic style, telling voters: "Let's get to work."