Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nominee on Thursday, citing his track record in the healthcare and automotive industries as part of her reasoning.
“I think that the blueprint from 2018 about showing up, focusing on the dinner table issues and getting things done is exactly what Joe Biden represents, and that’s why he’s got my enthusiastic support and vote on Tuesday,” Whitmer said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show, referencing her own run for governor in 2018.
The Michigan primary takes place on March 10.
Whitmer, who says she fought with insurance companies over wrongfully denying her mother chemotherapy, pointed to Medicaid expansion under the Obama administration as one of her reasons for endorsing Biden, who served as former President Barack Obama’s vice president.
The Michigan governor said that healthcare is “personal” to her.
“It is such a complete juxtaposition from what Donald Trump and the Republicans are doing to take that healthcare away. I’ve always been proud to be a Democrat because I know that healthcare is personal,” Whitmer said. “I’ve met so many Michiganders that have seen a doctor for the first time because of the Medicaid expansion all because of the affordable care act. That’s what’s at stake in this election.”
Whitmer also praised the Obama-Biden administration for aiding the automotive industry.
“That was a great thing for our economy as a nation, but it was personal to us here in Michigan,” she said.
In addition to the endorsement, Whitmer also announced on Twitter that she will be joining Biden’s campaign as a co-chair.
We need a president who will show up and fight for Michiganders, and @JoeBiden has proven time and again that he has our back. I am proud to both endorse him and announce that I will be joining his campaign as a co-chair. pic.twitter.com/Vs5J4Ik09F
— Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) March 5, 2020
Whitmer said that Biden’s ability to create a coalition of Democrats is what makes him the party’s “strongest candidate.”
“If and when Joe is the ultimate nominee, we’re going to be a place that everyone can find a spot because we’re fighting for things that really matter to people’s lives every day in this country, and we’re going to get it done,” she said.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with Battleground State New and The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
Photo “Joe Biden and Gretchen Whitmer” by Gretchen Whitmer.
