Josh Shapiro defends Democrats' perceived problem with DNC messaging: 'I respectfully disagree'

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Wednesday dismissed critics who have taken issue with the Democratic Party's message of "hope and change" despite President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris having occupied the White House for the past three-and-a-half years.

Shapiro joined "Special Report" live from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago ahead of his address later in the evening.

Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier noted that Barack and Michelle Obama, who headlined Tuesday's proceedings, struck a tone of "hope" and encouraged voters to change the trajectory of the country's leadership at the ballot box in November.

WATCH LIVE: NIGHT THREE OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

"I mean, we have three-and-a-half years of a Biden-Harris administration," Baier pointed out. "So that message of change and a new thing, is that just overlooking the Biden-Harris three-and-a-half years?"

Shapiro, who had been considered a top contender to be Harris' running mate, brushed off the alleged inconsistency, touting the administration's efforts on energy independence and job growth. Still, he conceded there is more that needs to be done.

"We have made progress," he said. "We've got a ways to go, we've got more work to do, and as Kamala Harris continues her campaign, she will continue to lay out that vision for not just hope, but meaningful change for people."

Baier pressed: "But is it a delicate dance to say this is hope, this is… change, even though you have a Democratic president who kind of was pushed out over the past weeks?"

He noted that some Democrats have also expressed reservations about using that line of messaging.

"I would respectfully disagree with you," Shapiro replied. "I mean this respectfully, of course. I