Politics

Whitmer Wavers on 2028 Presidential Run

Has Whitmer lost her fighting spirit or do current polling numbers make a potential run pointless?

Published MAY 30

Story

Above: Gretchen Whitmer speaks during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, on May 4. Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Whether she's running or not, Whitmer seems to have traded in her fighting spirit for a seat at Trump's table, and it's not going over well with many in her base. After a viral photo of her hiding behind folders in the Oval Office, Democrats across Michigan are asking what happened to "Big Gretch," the governor who once put Trump's insults on a T-shirt. Choosing collaboration over confrontation largely isn't working and appears to be a sign she's worn out and ready to step back.

The New York Times Atlantic

Narrative B

Whitmer's seeming exit from the 2028 race isn't really a shock, as the polling numbers were making her path nearly impossible anyways. Multiple surveys had her struggling at 0 to 4% among Democratic primary voters, well behind figures like Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom and AOC. With a crowded field of stronger contenders already pulling ahead, stepping aside now makes sense. Why put yourself through the agony of a run for nothing?

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