Whitmer Denies Claims She Said Biden Can’t Win Michigan After Debate

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer dismissed a report on Monday that claimed she privately told Biden's campaign chair that Michigan was unwinnable for President Joe Biden following his poor debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump. The report, published by POLITICO, suggested that Whitmer doubted Biden's chances in the crucial swing state after the contentious debate.

POLITICO's senior political columnist Jonathan Martin cited a source close to one of Whitmer’s potential 2028 Democratic rivals who alleged that Whitmer called Biden campaign chair Jennifer O’Malley Dillon to relay her concerns. However, an unnamed Whitmer aide quickly denied this claim, telling The Detroit News that the report was false.

Whitmer herself issued a statement affirming her unwavering support for Biden. “I am proud to support Joe Biden as our nominee and I am behind him 100% in the fight to defeat Donald Trump,” she stated. “Not only do I believe Joe can win Michigan, I know he can because he’s got the receipts: he’s lowered health care costs, brought back manufacturing jobs and is committed to restoring the reproductive freedom women lost under Donald Trump.”

• Social Media Response: Whitmer also took to X to express her frustration, writing, “Anyone who claims I would say that we can’t win Michigan is full of s***. Let’s go.”

• Defensive Allies: Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) backed Whitmer, recounting her conversation with the governor about her call with Dillon. Dingell highlighted Whitmer's commitment to Biden’s campaign, saying, “She’s out there doing everything she can. She’s working her a– off.” Dingell further criticized Whitmer’s potential political rival for allegedly attempting to misrepresent the governor’s conversation in a bid to undermine her.

Speculation about Biden's viability as the 2024 Democratic candidate surged after his shaky debate performance. A CBS News/YouGov poll indicated that 72% of registered voters believe Biden lacks the mental and cognitive health to serve as president, up from 65% before the debate.

• Electoral Stakes: Michigan remains a pivotal battleground state. Trump won Michigan in 2016, while Biden secured the state in 2020. Current polling shows Trump with a slight lead over Biden in Michigan, holding a 1.2-point advantage according to the RealClearPolitics polling average.

The controversy over Whitmer's alleged comments underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding the upcoming election, as both parties vie for crucial swing states like Michigan.

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