Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is soon releasing a memoir entitled “True Gretch” at a critical moment, both for her and the Democratic Party. Scheduled for release amidst the spotlight on President Joe Biden’s recent debate performance, Whitmer addressed speculation about her national aspirations in an interview with The Associated Press, emphasizing her dedication to governance and campaigning instead of entertaining thoughts of replacing Biden if he were to step down.
In her upcoming book, Whitmer reflects on her journey in the national spotlight, such as her encounters with Donald Trump and a thwarted kidnapping plot directed at her and her family. Despite her reluctance for attention, her rapid rise from a law school graduate to Michigan’s governor over two decades has positioned her as a key figure within the Democratic Party.
Whitmer’s stature was cemented in 2022 with a resounding re-election and Democrats gaining control of both chambers of Michigan’s state legislature for the first time in nearly forty years. The governor uses her memoir to address the increasingly polarized political landscape, aiming to shed light during challenging times.
She gained national attention back in 2013 as Michigan’s Senate minority leader when she disclosed being a survivor of rape before a vote on an anti-abortion bill. Whitmer subsequently repealed the said bill as governor and played a crucial role in advancing abortion rights, aligning with Biden’s stance on the issue despite critiques of his debate performance on reproductive rights.
Whitmer criticized former President Trump for fostering the political hostility that led to the 2020 kidnapping plot against her, which she argues was an assassination scheme. She has expressed a willingness to engage with some of the individuals involved in the plot to gain understanding. Whitmer also addresses the toll of gender-based violence and threats on her personal and professional life in the memoir.
The governor candidly reveals past personal struggles, including incidents of substance use and the impact of public scrutiny on her appearance over her policies. Despite being unapologetic in most aspects, Whitmer did express remorse for violating pandemic restrictions by dining out at a dive bar. Notably, she compares her situation to criticism faced by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was also scrutinized for disregarding COVID-19 safety measures.
The book concludes with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt’s “man in the arena,” modified to reflect Whitmer’s fondness for wearing pink and her commitment to doing what is morally right. While sharing this quote with her team, Whitmer humorously notes that it may need an update. She dismisses claims that Michigan is no longer a winnable state for Biden and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and integrity in leadership.
