Whitmer Backs Biden, Says He Can Win Michigan

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reiterated her support for President Joe Biden after a Politico report said she told Biden campaign officials that he could not win the state after his poor debate performance.

"I am proud to support Joe Biden as our nominee and I am behind him 100 percent in the fight to defeat Donald Trump," Whitmer said in a statement Monday. "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."

Whitmer, who's a rising star in the Democratic Party, issued the statement after the Politico report said she warned Democrats that Biden had lost Michigan after he stumbled through his debate with Republican front-runner and former President Donald Trump.

The report cited "someone close to a potential 2028 Whitmer rival for the Democratic presidential nomination." However, an aide to Whitmer told the Associated Press the comment was not true.

Whitmer's support also comes as many, including the New York Times Editorial Board, are calling for Biden to drop out of the upcoming U.S. presidential race after his lackluster performance in the debate.

Whitmer's name has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Biden, if he step's aside. Other names that have been floated include Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Biden, 81, has not indicated that he's considering dropping out of the race. The Democratic Party will nominate their candidate at the party's convention in August.