Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro accused Kamala Harris of failing to publicly address concerns about Joe Biden’s health ahead of the 2024 presidential election, stating she “will have to answer” for her inaction. The remarks came during an interview with Stephen A. Smith, where Shapiro emphasized his own vocal skepticism about Biden’s ability to serve another term.

Shapiro, who has been floated as a potential running mate for Harris, criticized her for remaining silent despite being “in the room” during discussions about Biden’s fitness. He highlighted his own efforts to raise questions about the president’s capabilities, saying he was “direct with them” about his concerns. Biden withdrew from the race in July 2024 after a struggling debate performance, prompting Harris to launch her own presidential bid.

Harris’s upcoming memoir, 107 Days, details her shortlist of vice-presidential candidates and her decision-making process. She wrote that Shapiro appeared more focused on the “trappings of the vice presidency” than on securing her victory, including inquiries about the Naval Observatory residence and Pennsylvania art displays. Harris also noted she considered Shapiro “likely to want to be in the room for every decision.”

A Shapiro spokesperson dismissed these claims as “ridiculous,” asserting the governor prioritized defeating Donald Trump and campaigned vigorously for Biden’s 2020 ticket. Shapiro confirmed he had not yet read Harris’s book but reiterated his private concerns about Biden’s health.

Harris’s memoir also reveals her internal struggle over selecting a running mate, ultimately choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz over former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. She described Buttigieg as her “first choice” but cited risks in pairing a Black woman with a Jewish husband on the ticket, noting, “We were already asking a lot of America.”