“True Gretch” shows what kind of sensible, approachable leader America needs

When the brightly colored envelope from the PR team arrived at the studio, I immediately felt something – this had to be the True Gretch book.

At first glance, the 160 or so pages didn’t seem particularly long. But as I delved deeper, I remembered that less is more. I allowed my bias toward Barack Obama’s “Dreams From My Father” to cloud my judgment (for comparison, “Dreams” is almost three times as long).

Sometimes we need high-sounding rhetoric. And sometimes we need something to laugh at, a playlist and an introduction.

One of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s superpowers is her ability to relate to others.

She uses her story to address important issues and make things “personal,” not through aggression, but by reaching people in a way that even her opponents have to admit resonates.

Another strength is reason.

Whatever some experts (professional or passionate) may say, most people seem to look to her on most issues and say, “She makes the best of the cards she is dealt.”

As someone who has been following the local scene in Michigan for some time from my post in Detroit, there were many stories I remembered. But for the rest of America? They’re new and important to know, especially as she inevitably leaves office due to term limits.

In “True Gretch” she tells of the sins of youth that most of us have committed, as well as deeply personal and tragic events.

And it’s obvious that she likes dogs – that’s a sign for me.

In this age of short attention spans, the book is fast-paced, warm and accessible. On the few occasions I’ve spoken to her very briefly over the years, she is too.

One of the reasons for her consistently high approval ratings is that she governs from a position where most Michiganders actually fall in the middle on most issues.

In fact, she is a “joyful warrior,” and yes, I think that is what most voters want.

Someone who is able to see what is happening, laugh at it, and denounce how stupid it can be sometimes – and intervene when necessary.

Things that “official” people hated, people in the real world love about her. Whether it’s Shark Week or going by the nickname “Big Gretch.”

When she gets insulted for stupid things, she can hit back – and often better. We know she will fight back, and Michiganders have strongly supported Whitmer. In the last general election, she crushed her Trump opponent by 11 points.

For me, the only question is, if she ever seeks higher office, will the notion that Americans love a woman in government but don’t want to elect her to the highest office still hold true?

Since we are in the 2020s and not the 1920s, I really hope this country can decide elections based on merit and not masculinity.

Watching her rise has been colorful and at times inspiring. It has shown our best and, frankly, our worst sides, from things like the absurd “blue dress” controversy to crazed militiamen trying to kill her.

The book takes you into these moments.

I’m excited to see what America thinks in the coming months and years. As I said, Whitmer’s term as governor of Michigan is limited, so there has to be a next chapter.

Be it a higher office – or a higher calling.

Whatever the case, I firmly believe that she will not ride off into the sunset.

True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between is now available wherever books are sold. If possible, consider purchasing it from a local bookstore.

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