Kamala Harris nearly chose Governor Josh Shapiro as her 2024 running mate, but he had reservations about the decision, a new book reveals.
In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, a new book sheds light on Vice President Kamala Harris’s deliberations regarding her choice of running mate. The book, titled 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, explores the intricate vetting process involved in selecting a vice-presidential candidate and features detailed accounts of the final decision-making stages.
Harris’s considerations ultimately boiled down to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. On one hand, Harris reportedly maintained a positive rapport with Walz and viewed him as an ideal candidate for her second-in-command. Conversely, Shapiro’s ambition for higher office and reluctance to relinquish his role as governor created tension during the vetting process. These dynamics have been clarified through insights included in the book, which is authored by notable political reporters from various major publications including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.
The narrative reveals that Shapiro was initially among six candidates being considered for the vice-presidential slot. Other contenders included Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and governors from Kentucky and Illinois. Each participant engaged in virtual interviews with a selection panel featuring various influential Democratic figures. While Shapiro was deemed an obvious pick due to his popularity and perceived strategic importance in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Harris ultimately narrowed her options to Shapiro and Walz.
The deciding factors in her choice included a concern that Shapiro’s background as a former state attorney general too closely mirrored her own, as well as his insistence on defining his prospective role within a potential administration. In a significant moment underscored by the book, Shapiro expressed doubts about his readiness to abandon his gubernatorial position, leaving Harris uncertain about how well they would work together.
Conversely, Walz presented a more humble demeanor and a readiness to contribute without signaling aspirations for a presidential run. His style contrasted sharply with Shapiro’s approach during their interviews, reinforcing Walz’s appeal to voters across several pivotal states. Ultimately, Harris announced Walz as her running mate at a rally in Philadelphia, leading to Shapiro’s involvement in the campaign soon thereafter.
Following the announcement, Shapiro continued to support the campaign, even assisting in logistical aspects, such as securing venues for events featuring Walz. Despite these efforts, the campaign faced challenges in Pennsylvania, ultimately losing the state by a narrow margin in the general election. The book not only chronicles the complexities of the vice-presidential selection process but also highlights the ongoing dynamics within the Democratic Party leading into a critical election year.
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