Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro criticized Kamala Harris for not publicly addressing concerns about Joe Biden’s health before the 2024 presidential election, stating she “will have to answer” for her inaction. Shapiro, a potential contender for Harris’s vice presidential slot, made the remarks during an interview with Stephen A. Smith. He alleged that Harris remained silent despite being present in discussions about Biden’s fitness to run, emphasizing that he himself had openly questioned Biden’s capability to seek re-election.
Harris’s upcoming memoir, “107 Days,” details her internal deliberations over selecting a running mate. She wrote that Shapiro appeared more focused on the perks of the vice presidency than on aiding her electoral success, including inquiries about the Naval Observatory residence and Pennsylvania art displays at the Smithsonian. Harris also noted that Shapiro seemed eager to “be in the room for every decision.” A Shapiro spokesperson dismissed these claims as unfounded, asserting the governor prioritized defeating Donald Trump and campaigned vigorously for Biden’s ticket.
Shapiro confirmed he had not yet read Harris’s book but revealed he had privately raised concerns about Biden’s readiness for another term with the president’s team. He described his feedback as direct and unambiguous. Biden withdrew from the 2024 race in July after a disastrous debate performance, prompting Harris to launch her own campaign. Her 107-day presidential bid, which she called “the shortest in modern history,” ultimately selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Harris cited risks associated with choosing Pete Buttigieg, noting the challenges of securing support for a Black woman married to a Jewish man. She also reflected on the difficulty of advocating for Biden’s withdrawal, fearing it would be perceived as disloyalty or self-serving ambition.