On Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) said that she would not rule out the possibility of being the 2024 running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris if President Joe Biden were to step down.
During a guest appearance on “The View” the Michigan governor praised Harris as “an incredibly capable vice president,” and explained that her potentially replacing Biden on the 2024 Democratic ticket would be “the natural conclusion.” When asked if she had any interest in running as Harris's vice president, she said she has never looked at political positions in Washington, D.C., “with a lot of excitement,” citing her love for state politics.
“But, you know, I'll never say never, but that's not something I am angling for,” Whitmer said on ABC's The View, noting how she made a commitment to finish her gubernatorial term.
WATCH:
Sunny Hostin: "You say Kamala is the heir apparent — would you run as her vice president?"
— The Recount (@therecount) July 9, 2024
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: "I have never looked at opportunities in Washington, D.C. with a lot of excitement. … I'll never say never, but that's not something that I am angling for." pic.twitter.com/RKqcoJvAFr
Whitmer is among the Democrat governors who are backing Biden, despite growing concerns about the president's electability after the first presidential debate.
The Michigan governor has dismissed speculation of Biden potentially stepping aside as “a distraction” and refuted reports naming her as a potential replacement.
Earlier this month, Politico reported that sources close to the Governor revealed she admitted to the Biden campaign that the state is likely “unwinnable” after the shocking debate perfomance. Whitmer has dismissed the report as false.
Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D) was the first Democrat lawmaker to publicly call on Biden to step down.
“I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw. I respectfully call on him to do so.”
Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) also called on “As an elected leader, I feel a responsibility to be honest about what I believe, even when it's hard to hear. President Biden is a good man & I appreciate his lifetime of service. But I believe he should step aside for the next generation of leadership. The stakes are too high.”
Despite public calls to step aside President Biden told Congressional Democrat on Monday he is resolved to continue forward with his presidential re-election campaign.
This morning, I sent a letter to my fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill. In it, I shared my thoughts about this moment in our campaign.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 8, 2024
It's time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/ABtAaJrr0n