Detroit

Midwest Power Shift, Gov. Whitmer Backs VP Harris for President as Biden Exits Race

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Published on July 22, 2024
Midwest Power Shift, Gov. Whitmer Backs VP Harris for President as Biden Exits RaceSource: Wikipedia/City of Detroit, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Following President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the presidential race, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has thrown her support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. According to FOX2 Detroit, Whitmer praised Harris for her record and commitment, saying, "Today, I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States." Her endorsement was joined by fellow Midwestern governors from Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, who collectively foresee Harris focusing on lowering costs and restoring freedoms for Americans.

Addressing questions about her own political ambitions, Whitmer reaffirmed her dedication to her role as Michigan's governor, telling reporters, "I am not leaving Michigan. I am proud to be the governor of Michigan," as reported by Detroit News, and despite her prior support for Biden, she highlighted Harris's qualifications as a former prosecutor and advocate for reproductive freedom, aligning with the needs of Michigan voters. As news of Biden's exit shook the political landscape, the shift to Harris among Democratic leadership was swift, with the Democratic National Convention set to take place in Chicago on August 19, where Harris's nomination is expected to be solidified.

Whitmer's endorsement, delivered through her Fight Like Hell political action committee, characterized Harris as a bulwark against Republican nominee Donald Trump's previous governance, which she accused of stoking violence and overturning Roe, according to a release picked up by Detroit Free Press. She urged Michigan voters to keep Trump from returning to the White House and emphasized Harris's capability in forming policies that would positively affect the domestic economy and job market.