Kamala Harris' choice for VP appears to be confirmed as Gov Josh Shapiro following leaked campaign ad

WASHINGTON, DC: Kamala Harris has reportedly selected her vice president, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro widely speculated to be her choice. Although the official announcement is pending, various hints and reports suggest that Shapiro has accepted the position.

Sources revealed to Fox affiliate KTVI on Monday, August 5, that Shapiro has already accepted Harris's vice-presidential offer. Texts confirming the decision might be sent to Harris supporters sooner rather than later.

Multiple news outlets have reported that Harris had narrowed her VP choices to either Shapiro or Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Previously, Shapiro, Walz, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear were all on Harris' shortlist for vice president.

Leaked Harris campaign video fuels speculations about Josh Shapiro

A leaked video from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker last week added to the speculation. In the video, Parker seemingly declared Shapiro as Harris' vice-presidential pick before any official announcement. Parker stated, "I can’t think of a better partner than our governor, Josh Shapiro."

The ambiguity of the video—whether it was an informal announcement or just an endorsement—remains. The video, still posted, hasn't been addressed by Harris' campaign. Further speculation arose when Shapiro canceled three fundraisers planned for the weekend without clear reasons.

Shapiro's press secretary informed the Associated Press, "The governor’s trip was planned several weeks ago and included several fundraisers for his own campaign committee. His schedule has changed, and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend."

Michael Kempner, a member of President Joe Biden's national finance committee, commented on the situation when announcing the postponement of one of the fundraisers.

According to local ABC affiliate WHTM-TV, Kempner wrote to the event's invitees, "Many are speculating that this is a sign he will be the vice president. While this has not been confirmed, I continue to believe he is the best person for the job. And hope the speculation is true."

“As I learn more and get a new date for an event, I will keep you updated. There will also be many other events coming up to support Kamala, I will be sending out that information soon. I hope you will participate," he added.

Harris reportedly met with Shapiro, Kelly, and Walz at her home on Sunday, as reported by The New York Times. Having Shapiro as a running mate could be strategically advantageous, given that Pennsylvania is a crucial swing state. Securing Pennsylvania could be vital for Harris in her race against former President Donald Trump.

Josh Shapiro's comments and Senator Kelly's cryptic post

Shapiro further hinted at his potential VP role by responding to recent remarks by Trump’s running mate JD Vance. Vance had compared Shapiro's speaking style to Barack Obama's in a derogatory manner on the Full Send Podcast. "It's like if I really tried to do a bad impression of Barack Obama, that's what it would sound like," Vance quipped.

Shapiro fired back while signing a funding bill at Cheyney University, stating, "If he wants to sling insults in my direction, which I'm not even sure is an insult, let him do it. Bring it on. I'm ready for whatever the hell JD Vance throws in my direction."

Signs also suggested Shapiro's likely selection after a cryptic post on X by Senator Kelly appeared to signal his exit from the VP race.

The since-deleted post read, "My background is a bit different than most politicians. I spent my life in the Navy and at NASA, where the mission always comes first. Now, my mission is serving Arizonans." It was replaced with another vague statement emphasizing his commitment to serve when called upon by his country.

"Whether it was from my time in the Navy and at NASA, serving in the United States Senate, or visiting our troops overseas: I've learned that when your country asks you to serve, you always answer the call," Kelly stated in the second post.

A recent poll conducted by The US Sun indicated that Americans favor Shapiro and Kelly as the leading contenders for Harris' vice president pick.

Following President Biden's replacement, Harris quickly secured the presidential nomination for November. She is expected to announce her running mate before August 7, ahead of the Democratic National Convention on August 19.