With the 2022 midterm elections looming, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has weighed in on the current state of politics in her state.
In an interview with CBS News’ “Face The Nation” on Sunday, Whitmer shared her thoughts on the upcoming presidential election and the challenges that lie ahead for her Democratic Party. Despite pointing out that polling may show President Joe Biden’s weakness in the state, Whitmer believes that the election will be “close” and that both parties need to put in the work to win over Michigan voters.
Whitmer emphasized the importance of Michigan in presidential elections, stating that “everyone should always focus on Michigan.” She pointed out that the state has been historically close in presidential contests, with the 2020 election being decided by just over 150,000 votes.
While Democrats were able to flip the House and Senate in 2020, Whitmer warned against complacency, saying that “the work is never done” and that no assumptions can be made based on past election results.
The governor acknowledged that Michigan is a purple state, with a history of flipping between parties in presidential elections. This, she believes, makes it “absolutely” up for grabs in the 2024 election. It is not uncommon for Michigan to play a key role in presidential races, with its diverse mix of urban, rural, and suburban voters often proving to be a bellwether for the rest of the country.
Whitmer was also pressed on polling that shows voters in Michigan overwhelmingly believe that former President Donald Trump would be better for the U.S. economy than President Biden. While she pointed to positive indicators showing that the economy is moving in the right direction, Whitmer acknowledged that there is still work to be done. She highlighted the high cost of living and the challenges faced by young people trying to buy homes in areas where improvements are necessary.
The governor also touched on the ongoing crisis on the U.S. southern border, describing it as “an emergency” that has been brewing for a long time. She criticized the Biden administration for their handling of the situation, adding that it has “not been working for a long, long time.” This marks a rare instance of criticism of President Biden from a member of his own party.
Looking ahead to the 2022 midterms, Whitmer stressed the need for both parties to focus on the issues that matter to Michigan voters. She encouraged politicians to “show up” and “do the work” in order to earn the trust and support of the people. With Michigan being a swing state, it will likely be a hotly contested battleground in the upcoming elections.