A tweet from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has ignited speculation about Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro potentially being named Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate.
The confusion arose after Parker's tweet appeared to announce Shapiro for the vice-presidential spot alongside Harris, causing outrage among many who wondered about the potential motivations for the leak, as the Daily Mail reports.
The tweet from Parker explicitly supported Kamala Harris for President and Josh Shapiro for vice president, paired with a video ending that called for support for Shapiro as the ticket's number two. This unexpected incident led journalists and political onlookers to question if an early announcement had been made.
Journalist Ernest Owens clarified that the message had been scheduled for release on Monday but was mistakenly posted ahead of time. The post was quickly reframed as an endorsement message rather than an official statement announcing Shapiro's selection for the vice-presidential role.
Sources further elaborated on the situation, asserting that the post was only a display of backing for Shapiro, who is said to be one of the individuals considered for the VP slot. The Harris campaign has reportedly vetted Shapiro, leading some to believe he holds a favorable position for the nomination.
Ahead of this development, Gov. Shapiro canceled previously scheduled fundraisers in the Hamptons. This decision spurred additional assumptions that it might relate to the vice-presidential selection process. Nevertheless, his team, represented by spokesperson Manuel Bonder, dismissed these connections. "The Governor’s trip was planned several weeks ago and included several fundraisers for his own campaign committee," Bonder noted.
Harris is expected to reveal her running mate early next week. Plans indicate she will journey with her chosen VP to seven critical regions, with indications that Philadelphia will be their initial destination. This connection has driven more conjecture about Shapiro being the likely pick.
Shapiro's strong performance in previous elections, notably outstripping President Joseph Biden's numbers in western Pennsylvania during the 2022 race, makes him a significant figure in the political landscape. His success in suburban and exurban regions around Philadelphia bolsters his appeal.
Betting markets favor Shapiro, and former politicians including Ed Rendell, the former governor of Pennsylvania, have discussed his prospects. These factors contribute to the continuous buzz surrounding his potential nomination.
Despite his high-profile, fully engaged supporters, Shapiro's campaign team maintains that the recent changes in his schedule and activities are routine and not linked to the vice-presidential nomination developments.
Cherelle Parker's tweet caused a flurry of speculation due to its seemingly premature vice-presidential announcement. Parker later reassured her audience that her post was purely an endorsement and not an official declaration from the Harris campaign.
The Philadelphia Inquirer quoted sources who reiterated this interpretation, portraying Parker's message as support for a "longtime friend" in Shapiro, while underscoring that this wasn't an official announcement of his vice-presidential candidacy.
This incident concludes with Harris's anticipated announcement next week, and the political landscape remains abuzz with this fluid situation. With Shapiro's sudden schedule changes, public appearances, and Harris’s impending declaration, the forthcoming days remain pivotal.
