How Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is Leading During “A Really Heavy Time”
Jul 11, 2024
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer discusses her leadership style, potential presidential run, and the challenges facing the Democratic party. She shares anecdotes from her memoir, True Gretch, and talks about the foiled kidnapping plot against her. The conversation includes topics like Biden's policies, black voter support, and the shift to electric vehicles in Michigan.
Governor Whitmer advocates for bipartisanship and inclusivity, emphasizing the value of engaging with diverse communities.
Addressing concerns about Biden's campaign, Whitmer stresses the importance of critical issues like affordability and job opportunities for earning voter support.
Michigan's focus on electric vehicles aligns with economic growth goals, emphasizing investments in technology and infrastructure for job creation and industry advancement.
Deep dives
Activism Against Poor Prison Conditions
Inez Bordeaux, an activist, led a successful campaign against the notorious St. Louis Workhouse detention facility, known for unacceptable living conditions. Following injustice due to being unable to afford bail, she fought to shut it down.
Governor Whitmer's Political Strategy
Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan prioritizes bipartisanship and inclusivity in her political agenda, focusing on engaging with different communities. She emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and respecting all individuals, highlighting that every person's voice matters.
Challenges in Presidential Campaigning
Governor Whitmer addresses concerns about Joe Biden's campaign performance and potential replacements. She stresses the importance of earning voters' support by focusing on critical issues like affordability, job opportunities, and economic security.
Environmental Initiatives and Job Creation
Michigan's push towards electric vehicles aligns with Biden's policies, aiming to create new jobs and boost the automotive industry. Investments in technology and infrastructure are key for economic growth and sustainability.
Reproductive Rights Advocacy and Democratic Messaging
Governor Whitmer continues to champion abortion rights and women's reproductive freedoms. She acknowledges ongoing threats to these rights and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pro-choice stance, highlighting the potential risks of a conservative Supreme Court to these liberties.
Gretchen Whitmer might be one of the most down-to-earth politicians in America — the governor from Michigan began her conversation with Kara with a bawdy joke about menstruation that she takes with her to the debate stage, and at no point during the interview did she hesitate from cursing. But with the calls for President Biden to resign growing louder, the Governor is an unenviable position. She’s considered a rising star within the party, and potential presidential candidate by some, but as a co-chair for the Biden/Harris re-election campaign she has to toe the line without seeming unaware of concerns that Biden just isn’t up to the task.
Governor Whitmer and Kara discuss the Democratic party’s current conundrum, as well as her new memoir, True Gretch, the infamous foiled attempt to kidnap and assassinate her, the best way for Biden (or any Democrat) to win Michigan’s 15 electoral votes, and her campaign slogan for 2028.
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