NPR’s Book of the Day: Gov. Josh Shapiro Emphasizes Civic Engagement in ‘Where We Keep the Light’
Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Andrew Limbong
Guest: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (interviewed by Scott Detrow)
Episode Overview
In this episode, Scott Detrow interviews Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro about his new memoir, Where We Keep the Light. The discussion centers on Shapiro’s personal experience with an arson attack at the Governor’s residence, his public Jewish identity, responses to rising antisemitism post-October 7, US immigration enforcement controversies, election integrity concerns, and speculation about his political future. Shapiro’s key message: Now is a time for active civic engagement, not retreat.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Opening Crisis: The Arson at the Governor’s Residence
- Shapiro recounts the personal and political impact of the arson attack (01:24–02:07).
- Immediate reaction focused on family safety and cooperation with authorities.
- Initial assumption of accidental fire, soon revealed as a targeted attack.
- Profound concern over explaining the incident to his children.
"Your initial reaction in that split second is, make sure my wife and kids are safe. Follow the directions of the police and the firefighters."
— Josh Shapiro (01:35)
"It wasn't until a few moments later where we learned that it was a targeted attack. And my first reaction was, how do I explain this to my kids?"
— Josh Shapiro (01:51)
2. Jewish Identity and Confronting Antisemitism
- Shapiro discusses his increasing openness about his Jewish faith, especially after October 7 and the Israel-Gaza conflict (02:07–03:25).
- Unwavering criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, both before and after October 7.
- Separation of views on Israeli politics from the challenge of rising antisemitism in the US.
- Emphasizes the responsibility and comfort his visibility brings to others in the Jewish community.
- Calls for public leadership on antisemitism.
"I thought he's [Netanyahu] taking Israel down a dangerous and isolated path and I don't get a vote there. But certainly I'd like to see a different government, and I hope the people of Israel do that."
— Josh Shapiro (02:27)
"The number of people came over to me and said how scared they were and how they found comfort in the fact that I could live openly with my faith, in the position that I'm in..."
— Josh Shapiro (02:57)
3. Immigration Enforcement and Government Overreach
- Shapiro forcefully responds to recent immigration raids and tensions between federal and local government (03:25–05:03).
- Criticizes deployment of ICE and National Guard to communities without local consent, arguing it damages public trust and community safety.
- Describes proactive legal and administrative steps to resist federal overreach in Pennsylvania.
- Asserts that such actions violate constitutional rights and make communities less safe.
"When Donald Trump deploys...into a community where a mayor or governor does not want them there, he immediately erodes the trust that exists in a community."
— Josh Shapiro (03:42)
"We do not want ICE coming in, eroding that trust. I think what you're seeing with ICE are people who are being dispatched to a community violating the constitutional rights of, of individuals."
— Josh Shapiro (04:46)
4. Election Integrity and 2026 Political Stakes
- Shapiro reviews ongoing efforts to protect Pennsylvania’s elections and voter data amid mounting pressure and lawsuits (05:03–06:16).
- Warns of ongoing attempts to undermine elections through conspiracy theories and lawsuits.
- Refused to release private voter information demanded by federal authorities; currently fighting lawsuits to protect data privacy.
- Stresses importance of upcoming midterms for democracy, personal responsibility, and broader implications beyond his own campaign.
"We refuse to turn that over because I believe they're going to use it for nefarious purposes...We're going to continue to battle in court to protect the private information of the citizens of Pennsylvania."
— Josh Shapiro (05:49)
5. Civic Engagement in Turbulent Times
- Addresses political fatigue and the temptation to disengage (06:16–07:22).
- Acknowledges public exhaustion from negative news but urges engagement, especially through voting.
- Argues that active participation, especially at the ballot box, sends a powerful message against chaos and corruption.
"Now is a time to engage, not to retreat. And the best way we can engage is by using our power...the power to vote."
— Josh Shapiro (06:48)
6. Memoir Motivation and Political Future
- Detrow poses the “are you running for president?” question, with Shapiro responding by emphasizing listening and public service (07:22–09:02).
- Shapiro frames the memoir as an attempt to highlight community-driven ‘light’ amidst darkness, not as a campaign launch.
- Insists his focus remains on Pennsylvania and the immediate challenges ahead—not 2028 presidential ambitions.
- Expresses desire to shape the “heart and soul” of the Democratic Party from his current position.
"I wrote this book because I think our politics are not meeting the moment or the needs of the people..."
— Josh Shapiro (07:32)
"I want to have a voice in shaping that as governor of Pennsylvania...I don't think anyone can look past the immediate term here this year."
— Josh Shapiro (08:32)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On civic responsibility:
"Now is a time to engage, not to retreat. And the best way we can engage is by using our power... the power to vote."
— Josh Shapiro (06:48) -
On personal motivation after the arson:
"We saw not only extreme darkness but extraordinary light."
— Josh Shapiro (07:56) -
On resisting federal overreach:
"Where they deploy troops against the law, I will take them to court to stop them."
— Josh Shapiro (04:10)
Timestamps of Key Segments
- 00:02–00:51: Introduction and episode framing
- 01:24–02:07: Shapiro recounts arson attack
- 02:07–03:25: Discussion on Jewish identity and antisemitism
- 03:25–05:03: Immigration enforcement and state-federal conflict
- 05:03–06:16: Election integrity and legal battles over voter data
- 06:16–07:22: Civic engagement and the importance of voting
- 07:22–09:02: Memoir motivations, shaping the Democratic Party, and 2028 speculation
Summary
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s appearance on NPR’s Book of the Day reveals a deeply personal and timely call to civic action. Against a backdrop of personal attack, rising antisemitism, political polarization, and threats to electoral integrity, Shapiro centers his memoir and his message on the power of engaged citizenship and resilient communities. While sidestepping speculation on higher office, he underscores a wider sense of purpose and duty, encouraging listeners not to turn away, but to “lean in” and shape their communities and country through active participation.