Joe Biden Wanted Gretchen Whitmer As 2020 VP But Chose Kamala Harris

Biden reportedly wanted Gretchen Whitmer as his running mate but had to choose Kamala Harris.

“Former President Joe Biden reportedly wanted Michigan Gov”

Fox News

The political climate following the Black Lives Matter protests played a key role in the final decision.

Fox News

A former senior Whitmer staffer said, 'The moment called for a black running mate.'

Whitmer was the first potential candidate to meet Biden in person during the vetting process.

She later confirmed she would have accepted the role if offered.

Whitmer rose to national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump told governors to find their own supplies, prompting Whitmer to call it mind-boggling.

NPR

Approval of Whitmer's handling remained high despite protests and lawsuits.

A recent survey found 63% of Michiganders approved of Whitmer's handling compared with 41% for Trump.

The pandemic response thrust governors into the spotlight.

Harris replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee in 2024.

“As States Take Pandemic Lead, Biden Is Said To Weigh At Least 2 Governors For VP One of a series of reports looking at Joe Biden's potential running mates As the coronavirus spread across the country in March, President Trump held a conference call with the nation's governors and reportedly told them they should try to find their own supplies of ventilators and respirators”

NPR

She blasted Biden's decision to run for a second term in her memoir.

Harris acknowledged she remained loyal during growing political pressure.

Some Democrats were secretly hoping Whitmer would replace Biden.

Whitmer said, 'It had to be Harris who ran.'