Michigan governor expecting ‘sizable’ number of uncommitted votes in primary: ‘A lot of people … are hurting’

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) expects a “significant” number of Michigan Democrats to vote “irresponsible” in Tuesday’s state primary in protest of President Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war. He said he is doing so.

Progressives are leading protests against Biden, gaining momentum in the state with prominent supporters including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) to encourage Biden to support a full cease-fire in the conflict. is increasing.

“As we know, our huge Arab, Palestinian and Muslim communities will have a say in how we respond to what is happening in Gaza and Israel. I think we will,” Whitmer said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Tuesday.

“We also have a strong Jewish community here. These two very important communities have lived in harmony in this state for decades,” she continued. “And there are a lot of people who are suffering.”

Biden has rejected calls to support a full ceasefire in the war, instead advocating for a shorter moratorium to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians and encourage Hamas to release hostages. The president said on Monday that he hoped a six-week ceasefire, which has been under negotiation for weeks, would take effect by the end of this week.

The governor, who has been floated as a future Democratic presidential candidate, called on President Biden to strengthen collaboration with all communities affected by war ahead of the November election.

“It’s going to be important that the administration continues to engage with leaders and individuals in the Palestinian community, the Muslim community, the Arab American community, and the Jewish community,” Whitmer said.

Biden has no major challenger in the Democratic primary, but he cannot afford to lose key votes in the battleground state of Michigan in the general election. He led Michigan in 2020 with about 50.6 percent of the vote.

Former President Trump has a 3-point lead in a hypothetical matchup in Michigan, according to The Hill/Decision Desk Headquarters polling average.