Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is revealing the discussions she has had about the possibility of becoming presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s vice president pick.
During an interview with MSNBC, the Democratic governor shared details about the “opening conversation” she had about her potentially becoming Biden’s running mate.
“It was just an opening conversation and it’s not something that I would call a professional, formalized vetting,” Whitmer said on Tuesday morning.
She added, “I am making a little bit of time to stay connected to the campaign, but the most important thing that I have to do right now is be the governor of my home state. That’s all that matters to me in this moment.”
See Whitmer’s remarks below:
.@CraigMelvin asks MI @GovWhitmer about being a possible choice as vice president on #JoeBiden's ticket.
— 3rd Hour of TODAY (@3rdHourTODAY) May 19, 2020
"I'm making a little bit of time to stay connected to the campaign but the most important thing I have to do right now is be the governor of my home state." pic.twitter.com/pEJC6XvEkJ
Whitmer also discussed whether or not she would be interested in the position. While she did admit that it would be an honor to be selected, she says her focus is on governing the state of Michigan while responding to the coronavirus outbreak.
“The fact of the matter is. All of my energy is going into helping my state through this crisis, unlike one that we’ve seen in 100 years in this country,” Whitmer said.
She continued, “We have to get it right and I was elected to be the governor of the state of Michigan. It is the honor of a lifetime and that’s where I’m spending 100% of my energy and focus”
Whitmer’s response to the whispers about her as a potential running mate for Biden follows weeks of opposition from Michigan’s residents who disapprove of her stay-at-home orders.
Since Whitmer opted to extend the state’s stay-at-home order until the end of May, armed protesters have held demonstrations inside and outside of Michigan’s state capitol.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Michigan has over 51,000 positive coronavirus cases and a death toll of at least 4,915.
