When Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer reached out to a senior official within President Biden’s campaign on a Friday night, her message was crystal clear: she wanted nothing to do with the rising “Draft Gretch” movement. Her name, which had been increasingly floated as a potential replacement for Biden, was not a scenario she was eager to entertain.
The call, made after Biden’s lackluster debate performance, was cordial but underscored an uncomfortable reality for Whitmer. Amid growing discontent among many Democrats about Biden’s prospects, she found herself the focal point of hopes to replace the aging president. But Whitmer, a two-term governor who has become a rising star in the party, made it clear she was not seeking the spotlight.
Yet, her private assurances to Biden’s campaign only serve to highlight the delicate political balancing act she’s walking. According to sources familiar with the call, Whitmer not only reiterated her support for Biden but also warned of the dire situation facing his campaign. She stressed that Michigan — traditionally a key battleground state — was no longer reliably winnable for Biden after his disappointing debate performance.
In the face of such concerns, Whitmer’s statement following the call — “I am proud to support Joe Biden as our nominee” — appears to be an attempt to publicly align with the president. She confidently asserted, “I know he can win Michigan because he’s got the receipts.” However, the timing of her conversation suggests something deeper is at play: while publicly loyal, Whitmer is privately watching the political tides shift, especially as Biden’s chances seem to falter in crucial states.
Whitmer’s hesitation is understandable. Among the ambitious Democratic governors eyeing the presidency, no one has more to lose in the short term than her. If Biden were to step aside, many governors, including Whitmer, would rush to take his place. But voicing concerns over Biden’s viability comes with substantial risks. At a time when most Democrats are rallying behind the president, any criticism could be painted as disloyalty — a fatal blow to a future candidacy.
Moreover, with the potential for Trump to exact revenge on Democratic governors should he win, the stakes are high. A number of governors, who privately worry about Biden’s sagging popularity, have been forced to maintain public support for the president, despite growing frustrations behind closed doors. The political ramifications of any early criticism could be career-ending, especially with 2028 in view.
Many Democratic governors are caught in a painful holding pattern. A number of them, although privately agitated, are reluctant to risk their political futures by challenging the president. As one Democratic governor put it, “The temperature is high… there’s a lot of anxiety.” The battle for the Democratic nomination may be far from over, but for now, the party is forced to play the waiting game, trying to gauge Biden’s standing and the potential for a viable challenger by mid-July.
The fundraising landscape reflects the growing interest in Whitmer. Since Biden’s debate performance, she has become a favorite among Democratic donors. Her name is frequently linked to Michigan’s key role in the 2024 election, with many hoping her leadership can tilt the state back in favor of Democrats. However, Whitmer’s team insists she is not seeking unsolicited support and has not given her approval for fundraising efforts on her behalf.
For Whitmer, however, there’s more on the horizon than just political maneuvering. She’s preparing to launch her memoir, True Gretch, in July, timed strategically for maximum impact. The book tour is set to take her to key donor hubs, including San Francisco, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket — locales where political connections run deep, and donor interest will no doubt be piqued. If Biden’s numbers continue to dip, the calls for a “Gretch” candidacy may intensify.
Although it remains unlikely that Biden will step down before the election, the notion of Whitmer stepping in — potentially making a late-stage push — is tantalizing. The political world knows that history often rewards bold moves, as seen with past figures like Bill Clinton in 1992 and Barack Obama in 2008, who defied expectations and took risks to seize the opportunity for the White House.
For Whitmer, the question is whether she should act decisively in 2024, when her path to the nomination may be less crowded than it would be in 2028. By then, younger governors and senators, who have risen to prominence since she first took office, may eclipse her chances for the Democratic nomination. In an unpredictable political landscape, this year may present her best and only chance to seize the moment.
As the 2024 election unfolds, Whitmer finds herself in a pivotal position, carefully weighing her options. Will she make her move if Biden falters, or will she bide her time and hope for a future shot? The political winds are shifting, and only time will tell if the opportunity is too good for her to pass up.
