Fetterman Refutes Claims of Lobbying Against Shapiro

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has publicly refuted allegations that he lobbied against Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro being selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate. In an interview with MSNBC’s Ali Vitali, Fetterman stated, “No, I never directed anyone on my team or anyone to do that. So that’s just not true,” addressing claims made in a recent Politico report. He emphasized that any concerns regarding Shapiro were unrelated to public perceptions or political rivalries. Fetterman’s remarks come after a report suggested that his advisers had reached out to Harris’s campaign to express apprehensions about a potential Harris-Shapiro ticket. When questioned about the nature of these concerns, Fetterman redirected the inquiry, suggesting that it would be more appropriate to ask Shapiro directly. He expressed confusion over the focus on a decision that has already been made, indicating that the conversation should shift to current matters. The senator also highlighted the autonomy of the vice president in making her selection, stating, “I was very clear that the vice president is perfectly capable of picking whoever they want.” He acknowledged Harris's access to resources and expertise within the Democratic Party, reinforcing that the decision was ultimately hers to make. Harris recently announced her choice for a running mate, which has sparked discussions about the implications of Shapiro's exclusion from the ticket. Fetterman’s comments aim to clarify his position and dispel any notions of rivalry or dissent within the Pennsylvania political landscape.