Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention, appearing in prime time on the final night before Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech. Whitmer used her platform to champion Harris, emphasizing the vice president’s ability to connect with the struggles of ordinary Americans, her proven crisis management skills, and her track record of getting things done.
Whitmer stated, “Kamala Harris knows who she is fighting for. Kamala Harris, she gets us. She sees us. She is us.” She contrasted these attributes with those of Donald Trump, portraying him as an out-of-touch tycoon unfit to handle a crisis. Whitmer painted a stark picture of a potential crisis, asking, “What if it’s him? What if it’s that man from Mar-a-Lago?”
In contrast, Whitmer described Harris as tough and tested, highlighting her experience and leadership. Whitmer emphasized that she views Harris as a Democrat similar to herself and vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz: pragmatic leaders focused on achieving tangible results to improve people’s lives.
Whitmer’s speech aimed to rally support for Harris, presenting her as a capable and empathetic leader ready to tackle the challenges facing the nation. By contrasting her with Trump, Whitmer highlighted the stakes of the election, urging voters to choose a leader who understands their needs and is equipped to lead in a time of crisis.