Gretchen Whitmer slammed for saying she doesn’t like seeing her name as potential Biden replacement
LANCING, MICHIGAN: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has voiced her displeasure with recent speculation that she could replace President Joe Biden if he steps down from his presidential campaign, The Hill reported.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Whitmer addressed the growing buzz around her potential candidacy, stating, "It’s a distraction more than anything. I don’t like seeing my name in articles like that because I’m totally focused on governing and campaigning for the ticket."
Gretchen Whitmer voices displeasure with speculation that she could replace Joe Biden
This statement was in response to a Politico report suggesting Gretchen Whitmer had called Joe Biden’s re-election campaign chairperson, Jen O’Malley Dillon, expressing doubts about Michigan's winnability as a battleground state following the President's challenging debate against Donald Trump in Atlanta in June.
Whitmer reaffirmed her loyalty to Biden, stating, "I am proud to support Joe Biden as our nominee and I am behind him 100% in the fight to defeat Donald Trump."
However, she criticized news outlets for publishing speculative reports, saying, "I think it’s frustrating that there are news outlets that will publish something that a potential future opponent’s staff person would say."
The rumors have fueled expectations that Whitmer will seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Alongside Whitmer, other governors like Wes Moore of Maryland, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gavin Newsom of California, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania are considered potential candidates.
President Biden is currently facing increasing pressure from within his party to step down, with critics citing his age and ability to govern effectively as major concerns.
This scrutiny intensified after his debate on June 27, where his performance raised questions about his re-election viability.
On Monday, July 8, Biden addressed these concerns on MSNBC, targeting party elites who questioned his candidacy. He stated, "If any of these guys don’t think I should run, run against me. Go ahead. Announce for president – challenge me at the convention!"
While Whitmer has made it clear she will not challenge Biden, her political ambitions are evident. Her recent book concludes with an excerpt from Theodore Roosevelt’s 'Man in the Arena' speech, highlighting the courage required to lead.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming," Roosevelt said in his speech.
Roosevelt's words, spoken in 1910, are given a modern twist by Whitmer, "Though these words were written more than a hundred years ago, they’re just as true today – except for two things. The 'man' may be a woman. And she may just be wearing fuchsia."
Gretchen Whitmer trolled for her remarks about replacing Joe Biden in 2024 race
The public reaction to Gretchen Whitmer's remarks dismissing reports of replacing President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket was swift and harsh.
On Facebook, one social media user said, "Wouldn’t want her as a running mate, even if it was for a dog catcher."
While another remarked, "BS. She is power hungry."
One person wrote, "She is lying. Biden will drop out. Whitmer had to say that or else she would lose her voters."
Another posted, "Don't worry ... America doesn't like it either."
One individual commented, "We call b.s. big gretch! You LOVE being considered the first person for potus! You just don't want to be SEEN wanting it."
Another mentioned, "Good. No one should want Whitmer as POTUS."
One person stated, "She has no talent or skills."
Another added, "She's a vitriolic tyrant with little brain power."
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.