In a striking critique, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has publicly challenged former Vice President Kamala Harris for not voicing concerns about President Joe Biden's health before the 2024 election.
According to Fox News, in an interview on ESPN host Stephen A. Smith's "Straight Shooter" podcast, Shapiro discussed Harris's silence on Biden's fitness, his own outspoken stance on the issue, and tensions during Harris's running mate vetting process, while also touching on his political future and concerns for the nation.
Shapiro appeared on the podcast hosted by Stephen A. Smith on a recent Thursday, though the exact date was not specified. During the conversation, he addressed Harris's apparent reluctance to speak out about Biden's health during the lead-up to the 2024 presidential race. According to Shapiro, Harris revealed worries about Biden's condition in her book, "107 Days," but never made those concerns public at the time.
Expressing his frustration, Shapiro remarked on Harris's lack of transparency regarding Biden's fitness for office. He emphasized that Harris was in a position to observe any issues firsthand but chose not to share her thoughts openly. "I haven't read the former vice president's book, and she's going to have to answer to how she was in the room and yet never said anything publicly," Shapiro said.
Shapiro also highlighted his own approach to the situation, noting that he was forthright in his concerns about Biden's ability to run for re-election. He claimed to have been "extremely vocal" on the matter, opting to address the issue directly with relevant individuals. "I can tell you that I tried to speak to them candidly about it and to do so in a constructive manner," Shapiro explained.
Additionally, Shapiro pointed out that Biden's team failed to provide him with complete information about the former president's declining prospects for victory. He suggested that this lack of clarity hindered open dialogue within the party. This, he argued, contributed to broader challenges during the election cycle.
Beyond critiquing Harris and Biden's team, Shapiro shared his deep concern for the current state of the nation and his political party. He described the country as being at a critical "inflection point," signaling a need for change. "I also love this country, and I really believe, for the many of the reasons as you and I were talking about at the beginning of this conversation, we are at an inflection point," Shapiro stated.
Shapiro expressed a strong desire to guide both the nation and his party toward a more practical path. He stressed the importance of bringing a grounded perspective to ongoing challenges. "I am troubled by what I'm seeing in this country, and I'm concerned about what I'm seeing in my party," he added.
During the podcast, host Stephen A. Smith questioned Shapiro about potential plans to run for president in 2028. Shapiro remained noncommittal, focusing instead on his current role as governor of Pennsylvania. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in his present capacity.
Shapiro made it clear that he does not take his position as governor for granted. He emphasized his commitment to serving the people of Pennsylvania with dedication. "How that voice ultimately gets heard, how it manifests itself, what I ultimately do, well, we'll see," Shapiro noted about his plans.
Separately, a book titled "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America" sheds light on Shapiro's interactions with Harris during her search for a running mate. Authored by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, the book details the vetting process that narrowed down to three finalists: Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. Many political analysts, according to the book, viewed Shapiro as the most strategic choice due to his role in a pivotal swing state.
However, the book reveals that an interview between Harris and Shapiro exposed a lack of compatibility. Shapiro reportedly appeared overly eager for advancement and pressed Harris to clarify his potential role. This left Harris with a negative impression, as Shapiro admitted discomfort with being in a subordinate position.
The book notes that Shapiro's demeanor during the interview suggested he was not naturally suited to serve as a second-in-command. This mismatch reportedly influenced Harris's final decision on her running mate. The dynamics of this process highlighted underlying tensions within the Democratic selection framework.
In light of Shapiro's comments, Fox News Digital sought a response from Harris's representatives. No statement was provided at the time of reporting, leaving questions about Harris's perspective unanswered. Shapiro's critique continues to fuel discussions about transparency within the Democratic Party. Shapiro's remarks on the podcast underscore broader concerns about communication and accountability among party leaders. His call for a more sensible direction suggests a push for reform within Democratic circles. As these conversations unfold, Shapiro's voice remains a significant one in shaping future discourse.