Despite rallying in Pennsylvania, Trump avoids the 'S' word ('Shapiro')

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s decision to rally within near earshot of the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion was practically brimming with subtext.

International oddsmakers have consistently labeled Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro a favorite to become Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. Stumping for Harris on Monday, Shapiro mocked Trump before more than a thousand supporters of the presumptive Democratic nominee.

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But Trump — rallying Wednesday with approximately 8,000 faithful at New Holland Arena, about a mile from Shapiro’s residence along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg — didn’t take the bait.

During his 90 minutes at the podium, Trump reserved most of his darts for Harris, President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. He said little to nothing of Shapiro, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer or any of Harris’ other rumored VP finalists.

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Shapiro, meanwhile, has already been on the offensive.

Rallying Harris supporters on Monday with Whitmer at Wissahickon High School in Ambler, Pa., Shapiro poked fun at Trump for his habit of hugging the American flag. He also said he had a message for the former president.

“Stop (expletive)-talking America,” Shapiro said.

“This is the greatest country on the face of the Earth. Let’s start acting like it. I know that’s true, you know that’s true, he doesn’t know that’s true.”

Outlets including Bloomberg and POLITICO have reported that Shapiro’s already met privately with the vetting team for Harris. A source familiar with the process said Harris is expected to make her decision on a running mate by early next week.

Though Trump stayed out of state politics and away from speculation on Harris’ vice presidential preferences, one of his guest speakers had no such reservations.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., ridiculed Shapiro for his “Get s— done” slogan. He told the friendly MAGA audience Wednesday that he feels the governor is too busy jockeying for a spot on the Harris ticket to accomplish anything of significance for Pennsylvania residents.

Smucker, 60, represents the 11th Congressional District in Pennsylvania and serves on the deeply influential Committee on Ways and Means. He faces Democrat Jim Atkinson in his reelection effort this fall.

Bruce Siwy is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Pennsylvania state capital bureau. He can be reached at bsiwy@gannett.com or on X at @BruceSiwy.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Trump rallies in Pennsylvania near home of Harris VP short lister