Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro disputed passages in Kamala Harris's memoir, 107 Days, that describe his vetting meeting with her during the 2024 campaign. Harris reportedly wrote that Shapiro "hijacked" the conversation and asked detailed questions about the vice-presidential residence; Shapiro called the passages "complete and utter bulls---" and "blatant lies." He defended his questions as part of assessing a potential partnership. Harris ultimately chose Tim Walz as her running mate; a Harris spokesperson did not immediately comment.
Shapiro Denounces Kamala Harris’s Memoir Claims as 'Blatant Lies' Over 2024 Vetting
Shapiro Rejects Passages In Harris Memoir
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply disputed passages in former Vice President Kamala Harris’s memoir, 107 Days, after an Atlantic profile relayed excerpts describing his vetting meeting with Harris during the 2024 campaign.
What Harris Wrote
According to reporter Tim Alberta, who read an advance copy of the book, Harris described being put off by Shapiro during their conversation — saying he at times tried to "hijack" the discussion, appeared intent on being involved in every decision and even asked detailed questions about the official vice-presidential residence, from bedrooms and drapery to borrowing Smithsonian artwork.
Shapiro's Reaction
When Alberta read those excerpts to Shapiro, the governor responded with disbelief. "She wrote that in her book? That’s complete and utter bulls---," Shapiro said, later calling Harris’s accounts "blatant lies." He added that Harris appeared to be "trying to sell books," then immediately rephrased the remark to: "She’s trying to sell books. Period."
"I did ask a bunch of questions. Wouldn’t you ask questions if someone was talking to you about forming a partnership and working together?" Shapiro told the Atlantic, defending his approach to the vetting conversation.
Context And Responses
Harris ultimately selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate; Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly were reported finalists. A Harris spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Shapiro’s spokesman, Manuel Bonder, previously called suggestions that the governor was distracted from defeating Donald Trump "simply ridiculous," noting Shapiro campaigned for the Harris–Walz ticket and described the process as a personal decision for both parties.
Why It Matters
The exchange highlights how high-profile campaign memoirs can reshape public perceptions of internal deliberations and personal relationships among senior figures in a presidential cycle. Shapiro — who has known Harris for around two decades — reacted visibly when excerpts were read to him and publicly pushed back after the book's release.
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