Democrats may face backlash for Whitmer's embrace of Trump in Michigan: political alliance could divide party ranks
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President Trump and Michigan's Governor Whitmer: A Dance of Politics
Hashtag #MichiganPolitics: The Oval Office hug and the welcome handshake - two recent encounters between President Trump and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - are the latest moves in her strategic effort to find common ground with the Commander-in-Chief, all while balancing political backlash.
A potential 2028 presidential nominee, Whitmer isn't afraid to play nice with Trump, recently sharing a hug with him as he touched down in her home state for a rally and fighter jet announcement. But before that, she was seen using folders to shield her face in their Oval Office meeting.
While welcoming the President might be a standard move for a governor, the hug was a notable exception. Given the increasing criticism of Trump's priorities and Democrats' calls for a more confrontational approach, the embrace drew attention as a deliberate attempt by Whitmer to seek common ground - a move that some might brand as too cozy for comfort.
But why did Whitmer roll the dice? Well, she had a mission in mind: boosting Michigan's economy by securing defense investments, including a new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which she believes her Oval Office meeting helped secure. The new jets represent a big win for Whitmer, and she's not shy about crediting Trump for it.
"My focus is on doing the right thing for the people of Michigan," said Whitmer to the Associated Press after their appearance together. "I'm not about politics, just governance."
Yet, Whitmer swiftly clarified the encounter, explaining that Trump first greeted her, shook her hand, and praised her role in the event. She stressed that this doesn't keep her from criticizing Trump on other issues, particularly his tariffs that have taken a toll on her state's economy.
The Trump-Whitmer dynamic echoes an infamous greeting from more than a decade ago, when then-President Obama was face-to-face with Chris Christie, the Republican governor of New Jersey. The handshake, which was labelled as a "hug," generated controversy and was even blamed for impacting the 2012 election results.
Whitmer's delicate dance with Trump illustrates the challenge faced by Democratic governors trying to register their disapproval of the President and his policies, all while avoiding retribution or turning off soft Trump voters essential for future elections. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized by some as overly accommodating toward Trump, heaped praises on him during his first week in office as he sought federal disaster funding.
Cappelletti and Cooper report for the Associated Press. Cooper reported from Phoenix.
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- The Oval Office hug between Whitmer and Trump raised eyebrows, adding another chapter to the saga of #MichiganPolitics.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom, despite criticism, emulated Whitmer in seeking federal disaster funding while maintaining a bipartisan approach.
- Whitmer's goal of securing defense investments in her state led her to take a more diplomatic approach with President Trump.
- The new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan is seen as a key victory for Whitmer's governance.
- Whitmer's embracement of Trump during his rally in Michigan has generated discussions about her strategic efforts for common ground.
- Even as Whitmer lauds Trump's efforts in Michigan, she remains vocal in her opposition to his tariffs affecting the state's economy.
- Some view Whitmer's actions as an attempt at political survival in the face of presidential criticism in future elections.
- The traumatic 2012 handshake between President Obama and Chris Christie continues to be an infamous example in politics and war-and-conflicts.
- Some critics argue that Whitmer's actions could alienate hardcore Democrat voters, setting a precedent in policy-and-legislation.
- Car-accidents, a critical aspect of crime-and-justice, are often tied to political decisions about road infrastructure in cities like Los Angeles.
- The growing trend in entertainment and sports-betting is causing a stir in general-news, with ongoing discussions about the impact on society and human behavior.
- Michigan's Belle Isle – war-and-conflicts aside – was the site of an impressive rehabilitation project, a prime example of policy-and-legislation's impact on local beautification.
- The Trump administration's approach to war-and-conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, is subject to ongoing debates in political circles.
- Whitmer's quiet confidence, echoing statements from golf tournaments like The Masters and Grand Prix racing events, showcases her determination in the face of adversity.
- With the NHL season in full swing, the Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings face-off in a fierce hockey rivalry, an exciting spectacle in sports.
- In baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Detroit Tigers have a storied history, making their MLB match-ups an event worthy of general-news coverage.
- Horse-racing, a popular spectator sport, is also a significant aspect of the California economy, contributing to its fiscal policy-and-legislation.
- As wildfires continue to ravage California, weather-forecasting and fire prevention policies have become a crucial concern for residents.
- Tennis, another major sports category, sees the intersection of sports-analysis and weather-forecasting, as players face challenges due to changing weather conditions.
