Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D., Mich.) doesn't want people to know how desperate she is to be chosen as former vice president Joe Biden's running mate.
"I'm not thinking about politics. I'm not," Whitmer told a couple of New York Times political reporters writing a source-greasing profile on how the Michigan governor "isn't backing down" in the face of conservative protests in her state. Whitmer insisted in the interview that "every ounce of energy I have is being put into protecting people and saving lives in Michigan."
When she isn't appearing on the Daily Show or speaking to the New York Times, Whitmer has found time to establish crucial initiatives, such as the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, which she created on Monday via executive order.
Though national papers like the Times have been enamored of Whitmer's numerous television appearances and willingness to engage in verbal combat with President Donald Trump, local outlets such as the Detroit News have expressed concern that the governor is prioritizing her political career over the well-being of the state.
In an editorial published earlier this month, News editors chastised Whitmer for "sending conflicting signals about her priorities and motivations," while noting that her "running feud with President Donald Trump calls into question whether she's acting in the best interests of this state, or on behalf of the Democratic Party." Whitmer's insatiable appetite for media exposure, the editors argued, suggested a strong interest in "serving her own ambition to be vice president."
Biden's choice of a running mate this cycle will be especially consequential. Given the former VP's advanced age and cognitive decline, his running mate could very well be the one sworn in as president in 2021. And while Whitmer has routinely deflected questions about the VP nomination, other potential candidates have been more explicit about their desire to be chosen.
Stacey Abrams, for example, told Elle magazine, "I would be an excellent running mate," while citing her "strong history of executive and management experience," as well as the 25 years she allegedly spent "in independent study of foreign policy." Abrams served in the Georgia General Assembly before running an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2018, though she has repeatedly refused to concede defeat.
Whitmer and Abrams are among the 10 candidates—all female—who Biden is reportedly considering.