Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the Democratic National Convention last night, but not as Joe Biden’s running mate as had long been rumored by some and anticipated by others.
Speaking at the convention on Monday night, Governor Whitmer praised Joe Biden’s record of delivering for auto workers and said that a Biden-Harris administration “will lead by example, following science to protect our health and our economy.”
Praising Biden’s support for the industry, Whitmer said, “Auto workers in this union and across our state could have lost their jobs if not for Barack Obama and Joe Biden,” adding, “In 2009, the Obama-Biden Administration inherited the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The auto industry—on the brink of collapse. A million jobs at stake. But President Obama and Vice President Biden didn’t waste time blaming anybody else or shirking their responsibility.”
Instead, she says, “They got to work. They brought together union members, companies, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and they saved the auto industry. And wouldn’t you know, just a few months ago, as our nation began battling COVID-19, auto workers across Michigan sprang into action. They started making protective equipment for doctors and nurses on the frontlines.”
The governor continued, “Let me break it down. President Obama and Vice President Biden saved these auto workers’ livelihoods. Then these workers did their part to save American lives. That’s the story of this great country.”
Praising the Democratic ticket for the fall election, Whitmer continued, “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will lead by example,” and added, “It will be science, not politics or ego, that will drive their decisions. They know the health of our people goes hand-in-hand with the strength of our economy. They know action begets action.”
Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox issued a brief statement following Governor Whitmer’s remarks to the Democrat National Convention, saying, “Governor Whitmer’s partisan colors were on full display tonight. Whether it be failing to apply for FEMA relief or implementing a nursing home policy that resulted in 33-percent of our state’s COVID-19 deaths, Whitmer has outright failed Michigan. However, as we saw tonight, she continues to pass the buck and blame others. But while Whitmer blames, Trump leads, and I look forward to our state awarding him with another victory this November.”
