Voters in Michigan support Governor Whitmer as presidential candidate

(WXYZ) – After President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election in the 2024 presidential election, many voters wondered who would take his place.

President Biden ends re-election campaign and endorses Harris for 2024 presidential election

The president announced his change of course on Sunday via X. The announcement came amid growing pressure from Democratic allies and voters for him to resign due to age and health reasons.

The President is expected to provide further details on his decision later this week.

“It’s about time, he’s too old,” said Bloomfield Hills voter Isabela Steward after hearing the news. “He falls on stage. He falls in everything he does. He can’t speak.”

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“I actually think it’s a good thing for the Democratic Party. Now it’s going to bring out some new ideas, new thoughts and someone they can really believe in,” said Trevor Nwagwu of Lathrup Village. “I feel like Biden lost a lot of support especially in the last debate. That was pretty bad.”

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“I think it’s the best thing to do, but I hope it’s not too late since we’re so close to the election right now. I hope the candidate who is chosen just has some time to gather support,” said Lisa Denard of River Rouge.

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Biden has now endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the next president.

“I think they need to disperse, and I don’t think they have a chance of winning in a heat storm,” said Brenda Cook of Southfield.

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While several Democrats also support Harris, some Michiganders have other ideas for Biden’s successor.

“If Democrats want to have a chance, they should personally vote for Big Gretch. I’m for Big Gretch instead,” Nwagwu said.

7 News Detroit spoke to a political expert about the real likelihood of Whitmer being on the ballot.

“Governor Whitmer has been discussed as a candidate for the presidential election for years. How do you rate the feasibility of such a candidacy?” asked Whitney Burney, reporter for 7 News Detroit.

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“I think it’s theoretically possible but unlikely, especially given the support of President Biden and the fact that Harris would have the ability to spend the tens or hundreds of millions that the campaign has amassed,” said Aaron Kall, the University of Michigan debate director. “There’s a lot of momentum toward Vice President Harris, who is a former senator, prosecutor, number two on this ballot for so many years and has experience on many of the critical issues. So there’s nothing wrong with someone else getting in the race, but it would be such an uphill battle, and if they weren’t successful, it could hurt their political prospects in the future, especially if they’re still relatively young.

Kall says no matter who Democrats ultimately choose as their presidential nominee, it is crucial that they present a united front at the Democratic National Convention next month. He says it will also be interesting to see who is chosen for vice president if Harris is confirmed as the Democratic nominee.

Governor Whitmer has not expressed any specific interest in serving in the Oval Office. She has not yet endorsed Harris, either.

Whitmer released the following statement after it was announced that Biden would resign:

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