Calls for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race are increasing following last week’s debate, leading to speculation that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer could be a top pick to replace him on the ticket. Despite denying any involvement in a “Draft Gretch” shadow campaign, Whitmer’s chances against former President Donald Trump in November are seen as an uphill battle by experts. Whitmer, who won re-election in 2022 by a double-digit margin, has previously hinted at interest in a presidential run and has reportedly become a top choice among donors.
While Whitmer is a popular governor in a swing state and has positive qualities, her lack of national recognition could be a weakness in a potential presidential campaign. The former White House aide Tevi Troy, who is also a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, noted that Whitmer is not fully vetted on a national stage. Despite drawing attention for her handling of COVID-19 restrictions, support for LGBTQ+ rights, and repealing abortion restrictions in her state, Whitmer’s true weaknesses may lie in what is not yet known about her.
Whitmer’s denial of interest in a presidential run may be a strategic move to avoid appearing disloyal to President Biden, as the pressure on him to step aside mounts. Some online supporters have been pushing a “Draft Gretch” message, but Whitmer has disavowed this movement and expressed her full support for Biden’s campaign. After the debate, reports claimed that Whitmer warned Biden had no chance of winning Michigan, but she dismissed these reports as “total bulls—” and reaffirmed her belief in Biden’s victory in the state.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Vice President Kamala Harris has started to show a more visible campaign role as the November election approaches. With Biden’s lackluster debate performance putting him under scrutiny, Harris suddenly finds herself in a defining role in the campaign. This is a significant turnaround for the vice president, who has faced criticism as a potential liability for Democrats in the upcoming election. Overall, the future of the Democratic ticket in 2024 remains uncertain as key players like Whitmer and Harris navigate the changing political landscape.
