Gretchen Whitmer mocked for ‘backpedaling’ as she denies report claiming she said Biden couldn’t win Michigan after dismal debate

LANSING, MICHIGAN: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer faced heavy criticism after denying a report claiming she told a Biden campaign aide that Michigan might be lost for Democrats after President Joe Biden's first 2024 presidential debate.

Whitmer took to social media to refute the claims, saying, "Anyone who claims I would say that we can’t win Michigan is full of s**t," and attached a Biden campaign video featuring her, as reported by The Hill.

Gretchen Whitmer denies claiming Democrats might not win Michigan after Joe Biden's debate

The controversy emerged from a Politico report suggesting Whitmer had expressed doubts about Biden’s chances in Michigan following his debate performance. Biden's shaky debate performance has raised concerns among many Democrats about his age and overall candidacy.

There have been discussions within the party about whether Biden should continue as the nominee, with nearly half of Democrats in a recent poll suggesting another candidate should take the helm.

Whitmer, considered a top contender to replace Biden on the ticket, reiterated her commitment to supporting Biden.

"I am proud to support Joe Biden as our nominee and I am behind him 100 percent in the fight to defeat Donald Trump. Not only do I believe Joe can win Michigan, I know he can because he’s got the receipts," she expressed in a recent clarification to Politico.

Biden’s debate performance has spurred a broader conversation about the future of his candidacy. Several high-profile Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, have been mentioned as potential replacements, along with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Despite Biden trailing former President Donald Trump in polls in several swing states, including a 1.3 percentage point deficit in Michigan, the Biden campaign has maintained a positive outlook, dismissing the replacement narrative. They insist that Biden will remain in the race, confident in his ability to secure a win.

Some Democratic leaders have rallied around Biden, defending his performance and leadership.

Former House Majority Whip James Clyburn attributed Biden’s debate struggles to "preparation overload," while former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi emphasized that voters are more likely to focus on Trump’s dishonesty than Biden’s shortcomings.

"The fact is, the reaction to the lies of Donald Trump is something that… people are focusing on. On one side of the screen you have integrity and on one side you have dishonesty," Pelosi stated during an appearance on CNN’s 'State of the Union'.

Gretchen Whitmer's denial sparks mockery online

The internet was quick to react to Whitmer’s denial, with many users mocking her.

One X user said, "Gretchen is the new Hillary but more cringe."

While another remarked, "Cursing isn’t helpful. Also, the fact you’re defending Biden’s competency proves you’re a liar. So good job making things worse Gretchen Whitmer."

A third user wrote, "You said it. You got caught saying it, and now you're back pedaling."

Another user commented, "No class or professionalism."

One user posted, "Vulgar and power crazed."

A sixth user mentioned, "Unprofessional HACK says what?"

Another user sarcastically stated, "Awesome role model for the younger generation, using that language."

Lastly, a user said, "You are still the second worst governor, you might want to call Gavin and thank him for being number one!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.