Gov. Josh Shapiro Recounts Offensive Vetting Question About Israel from Kamala Harris's Team

Memoir Details VP Vetting Process

• 📖 Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's new memoir reveals details of his vetting process as a potential running mate for then-VP Kamala Harris.
• 🎯 A significant portion of the vetting involved questions about Shapiro's relationship with Israel, including an offensive query about whether he was an "agent of the Israeli government."

Shapiro's Reaction to Vetting Questions

• 😠 Shapiro describes the question as offensive and stated so at the time, noting his Jewish heritage.
• 💬 He recounts his incredulous response to the vetting team, stating, "If they were undercover, how the hell would I know?"
• ⚠️ The memoir highlights that the questioner, Dana Reis, a former White House counsel, insisted they "have to ask."

Context of the Vetting

• ✈️ The vetting occurred during the 2024 campaign when Harris was selecting a running mate; Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was ultimately chosen.
• 🗳️ The book's revelations come as Shapiro is running for reelection and both he and Harris have not ruled out presidential runs in 2028, making Shapiro a notable contender.
• 🗣️ Shapiro had previously been critical of pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses amidst the Israel-Hamas war, which may have contributed to scrutiny from within the Democratic Party.

Harris Campaign's Perspective

• 📰 Reporting at the time suggested the Harris campaign and Shapiro did not fully align, with concerns about his comfort in a "backup number two role."
• 🚫 As of the report, neither Kamala Harris's office nor Governor Shapiro's office had responded to requests for comment on the memoir's contents.