The Daily

The Governor and the Protester

Apr 29, 2020

Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan known for her controversial pandemic measures, engages in a dialogue with Phil Campbell, a vice president of a pest control company whose revenue plummeted during the lockdown. They discuss the clash between public health priorities and economic struggles, touching on personal experiences from protests against strict regulations. Whitmer reflects on the balance between safety and economic stability, while Campbell shares his frustrations about advocating for business during a time of crisis.

36:40

Creator website

Episode guests

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Phil Campbell

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

Lockdown Challenges for Pest Control

12min

Navigating the Balance Between Safety and Economic Stability

4min

Journey to Governance: A Michigan Story

2min

Navigating Pandemic Decisions

12min

Navigating the Health Crisis

5min

She ordered Michigan to stay on lockdown through mid-May. He thinks the measures are too extreme. Today, we speak to them both.

Guests: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Phil Campbell, a vice president of a pest control company whose revenues have been halved during lockdown. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.

Background reading:

Two weeks ago, President Trump announced that governors would be on their own to decide when to ease lockdown restrictions. The day after his announcement, he called for Michigan’s liberation on Twitter. Raucous protests ensued.
After becoming a prominent foil of the president, Ms. Whitmer is now being considered as a potential vice-presidential pick in the election.

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