PHILADELPHIA — The event was supposed to be all about Kamala Harris raking in the endorsements.
But as labor unions and Democratic leaders rallied Friday to declare Pennsylvania’s support for her presidential bid, the focus was all on one man: Gov. Josh Shapiro.
As he stood steps away on stage, Shapiro received endorsement after endorsement from a series of speakers hoping Harris would pick him as her vice presidential candidate. By the end of the event, the heads of two powerful unions, the longtime Joe Biden confidante who chairs the Philadelphia Democratic Party and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker had all backed Shapiro to be Harris’ running mate — and yes, they threw their weight behind Harris, too.
“If they take our advice, Josh Shapiro will be our vice president,” Parker said, pointing to his ability to win Pennsylvania.
It was an extraordinarily public display as the veepstakes — normally a sensitive process cloaked more in rumor — moves rapidly out of the shadows. Shapiro is one of the potential candidates being vetted by the Covington & Burling law firm, according to a person familiar with the process granted anonymity to discuss a private process. Possible candidates and their allies have sought to boost their public profile in recent days, including hitting the campaign trail to stump for Harris.