Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (Democrat) on Wednesday doubled down on her support for Vice President Harris, highlighting her own years of experience in contrast to her Republican opponent.
“Kamala Harris herself has more experience than all of the Republican candidates combined, who have only six years of public service experience. And I often point out to people, when you go to have brain surgery, you’re not going to want a neurosurgeon who’s just graduated from medical school,” Whitmer said on the podcast. “theSkimm is more of a 9 to 5 thing.” “Experience is important.”
This comes after she formally endorsed Harris for the presidential race after President Biden announced he was dropping out of the race. The endorsement was a major boost for Harris and eliminated the possibility that the vice president would be challenged by the popular governor.
Whitmer said she has “total confidence” in Harris’ qualifications and ability to unite people across party lines.
As for who Harris will choose as her running mate, Whitmer said she believes she will “select someone she can trust, who shares our values and who is prepared to fill the gap if the need arises.”
“Knowing who she is, how she has led, how she operates and what she has accomplished throughout her career, I have confidence she will choose the right partner for her, and that’s the most important thing,” Whitmer continued, adding, “She knows how to build.”
“She’s someone who values diversity, not red tape, and diversity. When a leader can execute that well, it leads to better, more balanced decisions. I think those are her values and I have complete trust in her judgment.”
The interview comes amid growing speculation about who Harris might choose as her running mate, with Whitmer, who serves as co-chair of the Biden-Harris campaign, having been mentioned multiple times as a possible candidate.
Governor Whitmer said the country is open to an all-female nominee, but added, “I want to be clear: I am committed to serving the full term in Michigan and I feel that is important.”
“I can be a great help to Vice President Harris on the ground in Michigan and that will be my focus. I think she’s a fantastic person. I think we’re ready to have a dual candidate team,” she said.
In an interview before Biden’s announcement, Whitmer said she would “never say never” about being Harris’ running mate.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D), Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D), North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D) and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) have emerged as Harris’ top contenders.
The Democratic National Committee expects Harris to choose her running mate by August 7th.
