Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who won reelection by double digits in 2022 and has become a leading voice among Democrats, said she's not taking the strong showing for her party "for granted" heading into the next election.
"It's always going to be close in this state," Whitmer told "Face the Nation." "You cannot make any assumptions about what the next election is going to bring, based on the last one in a state like this. You got to show up. You got to do the work and show people that you really care about them."
- Transcript: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on "Face the Nation," Jan. 21, 2024
Despite seeing a blue wave in 2022, Whitmer urged that Michigan is "absolutely" still a purple state, while pointing to the work that Democrats must continue to do in the state — and beyond.
"What I hear from people is a sense of urgency, a sense of how serious this moment is in this country," she said, adding that Democrats need to "continue to show up and continue to talk about these fundamental issues that Americans and American families need solved."
Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, has expressed her confidence in the Democratic base despite recent polls showing that President Joe Biden is underperforming. Whitmer stated that she is not "freaking out" over the polls but emphasized the importance of centering reproductive rights as the November election approaches.
According to Whitmer, the right for women to make their own decisions and have reproductive freedom is a significant motivator. She highlighted that even though nine states are scheduled to vote on reproductive rights through ballot measures in 2024, "abortion is on the ballot in all 50 states."
In the 2022 midterm elections, Michigan voters approved a ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution. This decision came after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, leading several states to enact protections for reproductive rights. Whitmer argued that without President Biden in the White House, these protections are at risk of being lost.
Whitmer warned that if a Republican, such as Donald Trump, were to become president, there would be a push for a nationwide abortion ban. She emphasized that President Biden's presence in the White House prevents such a ban from happening.
As a co-chair for President Biden's re-election bid, Whitmer suggested that his administration should address the issue of abortion more frequently and with more direct language. When asked if President Biden should talk about abortion more, Whitmer responded that it would be "good if he did."
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her belief that President Biden's fighting spirit will resonate with voters in the 2024 election. She stated, "I don't think it would hurt. I think people want to know that this is a president that is fighting."
Whitmer emphasized the importance of Democrats campaigning on issues such as affordable childcare and empowering American women to make their own choices while supporting American families. She urged her party to be transparent with the American public about the high stakes and their priorities for the upcoming election.
