Gov. Whitmer calls Biden’s decision to drop out ‘right move’

EAST LANSING, MI – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday said President Joe Biden dropping out of the race was the “right move.”

Whitmer, whose name was floated at one point as a possible replacement candidate for Biden in this year’s presidential race, was speaking publicly this week during events promoting her new book. Her comments are coming just days after Biden stepped down as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

“It was a surprise. I think it was the right move,” Whitmer said. “I have a great deal of respect for President Biden, but I think it was the right move for a lot of reasons and I am thrilled about Kamala Harris being at the top of the ticket.”

Whitmer didn’t expound on those reasons during her talk Tuesday, July 23, at a ticketed event at her alma mater, Michigan State University. The event, which was a conversation between her and former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard, was part of the tour for her new book, “True Gretch.”

With Whitmer’s name first floated as a replacement candidate for Biden and then a possible vice presidential nominee pick for Vice President Kamala Harris, Whitmer reiterated that she won’t be leaving the Mitten State before her term is up in 2026.

“I can tell you this, and I’ve been consistent and it’s totally genuine: I’ve made a commitment to serve out my term as governor here. That is 100% where my head is at,” she said. “It’s flattering to be mentioned. It’s flattering to have been on a list or considered — whatever.

“My commitment is to the people of Michigan through the end of this term, and that is exactly where I’m going to stay.”

Biden announced he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential contest Sunday, July 21, after growing concern about his age and ability to beat former President Donald Trump.

He endorsed Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate and top Democrats, including Whitmer, have done the same. According to an Associated Press survey, Harris is backed by enough delegates to become her party’s nominee.