Following President Joe Biden's announcement he was no longer pursuing the Democratic candidacy for president in the 2024 race on Sunday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement of support for Biden's choice to lead the Democratic ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris, on Monday morning.
Let's win this, @KamalaHarris. pic.twitter.com/HNFFskANM5
— Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) July 22, 2024
In the release, Whitmer wrote, "Today, I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. ... So, Michigan, let's get to work! We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Let's go!"
Whitmer — who had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Biden at the top of the ticket, and then as a running-mate for Harris — brushed off questions about the possibility of being on the November ballot. Following a Monday event in Lansing, she told reporters, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta reported that as the Democratic National Convention prepares to convene next week, many Democrats have called for an open convention as a signal of a transparent process and to build interest, even if Harris appears to be the likely choice to lead the nomination.
While other Michigan political leaders have yet to endorse Harris, many spoke positively of the Biden-Harris administration, including Michigan U.S. Senator Gary Peters, who said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has been a model for delivering bipartisan results for the American people: from renewing our infrastructure, to lowering costs for families, to building a future where everyone can thrive."
My statement on President Biden: pic.twitter.com/42fCSsfzaz
— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) July 21, 2024
Michigan U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell also posted about the president on X/Twitter, calling him a "dedicated public servant & dear friend who has helped me through some of life's most challenging moments, & I find myself crying now."
President Biden is a dedicated public servant & dear friend who has helped me through some of life's most challenging moments, & I find myself crying now. Throughout his entire career & presidency, he & his administration have achieved monumental successes for the American people
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) July 21, 2024
Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow went so far as to say that Biden has "done more for MI during his presidency than any other president in my lifetime."
.@POTUS has done more for MI during his presidency than any other president in my lifetime. In the past three & a half years, we’ve fixed thousands of roads & bridges, boosted manufacturing, brought jobs home, lowered the cost of prescription drugs & tackled the climate crisis.
— Sen. Debbie Stabenow (@SenStabenow) July 21, 2024
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee visited CNN Monday morning, and tweeted his interview, saying,
"I love Joe Biden—as a president and as a friend. He has accomplished more in one term than most presidents do in eight years."
I love Joe Biden—as a president and as a friend. He has accomplished more in one term than most presidents do in eight years.@POTUS made a patriotic and selfless decision to put the country first, and America owes him a debt of gratitude. pic.twitter.com/Soa2CWaJo2
— Rep. Dan Kildee (@RepDanKildee) July 22, 2024
