When the dust finally settled on the 2024 election, few anticipated that the real fireworks would begin months later — not on the campaign trail, but between pages. That’s exactly where Josh Shapiro and Kamala Harris collided — in the aftermath of her newly released memoir, 107 Days — and as of right now, that collision is more than just a clash of words. It’s a full-on feud.

A memoir — and a political grenade

Harris’ 2024 campaign memoir, “107 Days,” promised an inside look at her brief sprint for the presidency. Among the many reveals, the book recounts how she vetted potential running mates. According to her, Shapiro was under consideration — but she opted against him. The reasons? He was reportedly “domineering,” overly curious about the perks of the job, and even prematurely concerned about furnishings and residence arrangements for the vice-presidency.

According to the memoir, during their vetting interview, Shapiro allegedly asked about the number of bedrooms in the official vice presidential residence, mused about borrowing Pennsylvania art to decorate the house, and seemed fixated on “being in the room for every decision” — all red flags for Harris. She went so far as to warn him: “a vice president is not a co-president.”

But upon hearing those claims, Shapiro didn’t remain calm. In fact, the usual composed, polished public figure gave way to blunt outrage.

“Complete and utter bulls—” — Shapiro’s blistering reaction

In a rare moment of raw emotion, Shapiro told long-time reporter Tim Alberta — after being read the controversial sections — that Harris’ portrayal was “complete and utter bulls—.” He went further: “I can tell you that her accounts are just blatant lies.”

Pressed on whether he felt betrayed — after two decades of acquaintance — he didn’t mince words: “I mean, she’s trying to sell books and cover her a–.” He later attempted to correct himself, saying, “I shouldn’t say ‘cover her a–.’ I think that’s not appropriate … She’s trying to sell books. Period.”

Shapiro defended his behavior — insisting that he asked questions he thought were reasonable for someone considering a high-stakes partnership. “I did ask a bunch of questions,” he said. “Wouldn’t you ask questions if someone was talking to you about forming a partnership and working together?”

A rare glimpse behind Shapiro’s public mask

What stands out is not just the content of the book — it’s Shapiro’s reaction. Known for his calm, measured tone and cautious political style, this was apparently a side few had seen before. According to the Atlantic profile, he arrived in a tense mood during the vetting interview, and glare turned to fury as he listened to the book’s accusations.

His outburst also signals something broader: the deep frustration simmering beneath the surface of a party that, after a heated 2024 election, is still trying to figure out where it goes next. For Shapiro, a nationally-recognized Democrat with eyes potentially on 2028, the memoir isn’t just a personal slight — it could reshape how some view his ambition and character within the party.

Memoir or political misstep? The larger stakes

So, what’s really going on here? A few possible interpretations:

Intra-party tension surfacing. Harris’ book and Shapiro’s reaction may not just be about the past — but signal deep divisions within the party over ambition, optics, and loyalty.
Power and narrative control. Memoirs carry weight. They influence not just public perception but also behind-the-scenes dynamics. By painting Shapiro as “dominating,” Harris may have been clearing space for her own narrative — one where she chooses who gets what seat at the table.
Future ambitions on the line. Shapiro’s obvious anger suggests he’s thinking beyond 2024. If he’s serious about future races, a portrayal of entitlement or over-the-top ambition could be a liability.

Given the friction, “107 Days” may turn out to be more than a memoir — it could become a reference point for future Democratic primaries, alliances, and rivalries.

What remains unclear — and what’s next

At the time of this report:

Harris has not officially responded to Shapiro’s latest public denunciation. A representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
It’s unclear whether anyone else from Harris’ vetting camp will weigh in — or if other names considered for VP will reemerge.
The broader impact on the Democratic Party remains uncertain: Will this blow over — or fuel deeper scrutiny of memoirs, ambition, and who gets to write the “inside stories”?

What is clear: the feud shows just how treacherous politics can be — especially when the stakes include not only power, but legacy.

The takeaway

When a political memoir claims to pull back the curtain, it can illuminate — or it can hit somebody with a wrecking ball. For Josh Shapiro, the latest wake-up call came in the form of paper and ink. For Kamala Harris, the reaction may be a warning: once written, words tend to echo far louder than intentions.

Because in politics, the book doesn’t close when the pages end — it closes when enough people decide who got the story right.