Insights from Josh Shapiro’s New Book

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro offers some intriguing reflections about Vice President Kamala Harris in his upcoming book. He suggests that during their meetings, Harris appeared reluctant to engage deeply in discussions and didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about her role, especially as she is being considered for vice president again in 2024.

In “Where We Keep the Light,” Shapiro recounts feeling quite uneasy throughout his interactions with Harris during the 2024 Democratic vetting process. Even when she assured him of her support, it became evident that she wasn’t interested in a collaborative relationship where he could voice alternate viewpoints. He phrases it like this: if they disagreed, he wanted to at least present his case. Still, if he couldn’t persuade her, he was ready to wholeheartedly back her decision regardless.

Interestingly, Shapiro mentions that Harris expressed dissatisfaction with her role as vice president in her memoir, “107 Days.” She pointed to the challenges she faced, including the lack of a personal restroom in her office and a sense of exclusion from key decisions. Shapiro believes that things could have unfolded differently if Harris had felt comfortable bouncing her ideas off someone before making decisions.

There seems to be a hint of frustration in Shapiro’s account of Harris. He even indicated that he wasn’t entirely keen on her being Biden’s vice president, which adds another layer to their dynamic. Perhaps, if he had connected with Harris to deliver the news of his withdrawal from the vice presidential candidacy, it might not have gone smoothly. He was cautioned against informing her due to her potential reaction to bad news.

He also recounts a rather awkward moment when he was asked by Harris’ team about the possibility of him representing Israel. Shapiro recalls being taken aback by such a question, finding it uncomfortable yet understandable, considering the environment around the vice president.

Harris hasn’t commented on Shapiro’s insights yet, but as the book release approaches, it will certainly spark conversations about their political relationship and the complexities of that time.