Will Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for president? Don’t count on it.

Following Biden’s disastrous debate performance last week, Whitmer is being floated along with California Gov. Gavin Newsome, as a top tier replacement option.

But there are a few things preventing Whitmer from inheriting the Democratic nomination from Biden. The first is Biden. The second is the Democratic Party. And the third, at least ostensibly, is Whitmer herself.

Damage Control for Joe Biden

In the aftermath of the debate, Biden has been very clear about one thing: He has no intention of stepping down as the Democratic presidential nominee. Of course, Biden’s recalcitrance is no surprise. Biden, who once implied heavily that he would be a one-term “transitional” president, has been insistent, for months, on leading the 2024 ticket – despite atrocious polls and declining mental and physical fitness.    

More concerning, and perhaps more influential, than Biden’s insistence on staying in the race, is the Democratic Party’s insistence. That’s not new. The Democrats didn’t even hold a primary and restricted access to ballots. Ironically, the Democrats have acted in a wholly undemocratic, election-interfering fashion – which is what the Democrats are accusing Republicans and Trump of trying to do (The Republicans held a legitimate primary, by the way, which Trump won in a democratic fashion.) 

Indeed, the Party has circled the wagons since last week’s debate debacle, trying to spin Biden’s mental decline – which tens of millions of American adults saw in real time with their own eyes. One of the go-to lines for Democrats at the moment:

The election isn’t about a 90-minute debate, it’s about a four-year presidency – or something along those lines. Of course, that’s nonsense. The 90-minute debate was not an isolated incident. Democratic Party leaders know that, yet they continue to lie. And Biden, who the Democratic Party promised, until last week, was still as sharp and as capable as ever, is now pivoting to something about how Biden is super capable between the hours of 10a.m. and 4p.m. Well, that’s doubtful. And regardless, the presidency is a 24/7 job.

The mayorship of Eugene, Oregon is a 24/7 job. I mean, what happens if India nukes Kashmir at 4:30 p.m.? Will Biden have to wait until the next morning, until he’s sharp enough, to address the global crisis? Anyways, I’m getting off topic. The point is that the Democratic Party is standing firm behind Biden, and as long as the Party is behind Biden, that will make it difficult for Whitmer to step in.  

Gretchen Whitmer in Reserve

Regardless of what Whitmer’s true desires may or may not be, the Michigan Governor is playing it safe with her party, and denouncing any intention or desire to replace Biden. In a call to Biden campaign chair Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Whitmer stated unequivocally that she was not interested in replacing Biden, and that she did not approve of the chatter suggesting she should replace Biden.

Sure. I can tell you that politicians, by default, enjoy it when their name is floated as a presidential candidate.

Still, it appears Whitmer is going to adhere to Democratic Party protocols of succession for the time being. However, Whitmer mentioned something else in her phone call with O’Malley Dillon, something that could offer insights into Whitmer’s mindset and should force the Democrats into some self-reflection: Michigan is no longer winnable for Biden. 

About the Author: Harrison Kass 

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.