(WWJ) The New York Times reports Gretchen Whitmer is among four possible vice presidential candidates who have a strong interest in running alongside Democratic candidate Joe Biden.
Whitmer herself has demurred every time she's been asked about her interest in the national role, saying she's focused on getting Michigan through the coronavirus crisis.
But now comes this article, quoting an unnamed staffer, who says the governor is not only interested, but is "keenly interested"in the job.
"It's an unnamed source but it's in the New York Times," WWJ's Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick reported.
Will the governor confirm it's correct? "Fat chance of that," Skubick said.
Biden has made no secret of his interest in Whitmer, telling MSNBC's Brian Williams that Whitmer "made the list in my mind two months ago." And a running mate is supremely important for Biden, who is nearing 80 years old and has hinted he may only serve one term if elected. That would put his Veep front and center as the leading presidential contender four years from now.
Former Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri said about what's at stake: "You're writing your ticket to be the first woman president."
But could it be Whitmer?
Whitmer endorsed Biden in March and quickly locked horns with President Donald Trump over his response to coronavirus. She said publicly and often that the federal response was disorganized, that states, including Michigan, couldn't get desperately needed supplies. At one point, she alluded to the idea supplies were being specifically withheld from the Mitten State.
Trump called her "that woman from Michigan" and blasted governors, including Whitmer, for lack of planning and response on their end.
A national figure was born.
Whitmer, a first term governor, has been a character on Saturday Night Live and now has a rap song in her honor and a go fund me from the public who want to buy her expensive Cartier Buffalo sunglasses as an homage to her street cred and strength ... and fierce wardrobe.
Urban fans started the trend of calling her "Big Gretch."
The "Big Gretch" song says, "When it's all over, you invited to the cookout. When it's all over, you deserve to get took out. And she doing it for Michigan, so when she at the stand everybody should be listening."
Responding on Twitter, an obviously delighted Whitmer wrote, "This is too much. Love the nickname. Love the song. See ya at the cookout, GmacCash. Until then, Big Gretch says stay home and stay safe."
Still, Biden is being urged to choose a black woman as Veep, per the Associated Press, which reported, "black voters and leaders say he needs to go further and pick a black woman. They argue that Biden's success — and that of the Democratic Party as a whole — depends on black people turning out to vote in November. They want a tangible return for their loyalty, not just a thank you for showing up on Election Day."
Publicly, Biden's campaign has said their vetting process for a running mate will likely last through July. The former vice president has committed to picking a woman.
