Biden's Initial Preference for Whitmer as 2020 Running Mate Revealed in New Report
A detailed profile published in The Atlantic has shed new light on the 2020 vice-presidential selection process, revealing that former President Joe Biden initially preferred Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer as his running mate. According to the report, Biden was deeply impressed by Whitmer's response to then-President Donald Trump during his first term, leading him to want her on the ticket.
The Political Climate That Changed Everything
The report indicates that Biden "wanted it to be Whitmer" but ultimately "had to choose" Kamala Harris due to significant political considerations. The key factor was the national climate following the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted after the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, sparking global demonstrations against racism and police brutality.
"The moment called for a black running mate," a former senior Whitmer staffer was quoted as saying in the report, suggesting that Biden's eventual selection of Harris was shaped by these broader political realities. A former adviser to both Biden and Harris confirmed that this claim carried "some weight" in the decision-making process.
Whitmer's Vice-Presidential Vetting Process
By summer 2020, Whitmer was being thoroughly vetted for the vice-presidential position. The report notes that she was initially uncertain about the role, with people familiar with her thinking at the time indicating she struggled to imagine herself as "a creature of Washington, DC." However, she developed a good rapport with Biden and was prepared to accept the position if offered.
"If Joe Biden had called and said, 'I need you to be my partner and be my running mate,' I would have said yes," Whitmer later told Fox 2. She emphasized that "this election was that important" to her commitment.
Interestingly, Whitmer was the first potential candidate to meet Biden in person during the selection process in August 2020, flying to Delaware for what she believed would be a decisive conversation. According to the report, Biden never actually asked her to be his running mate during that meeting.
Harris's Path to the Ticket and Beyond
While Harris ultimately became Biden's running mate in 2020 and served as vice president, the report provides additional context about her approach during this period. Harris reportedly avoided pushing Biden to step aside earlier because she did not want to appear "self-serving," demonstrating loyalty during a time of growing political pressure.
The historical context extends beyond 2020, as Harris later replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee in 2024 after he withdrew from the race. She ultimately lost the election to MAGA leader Donald Trump, completing a political journey that began with her selection as running mate four years earlier.
Despite not being chosen in 2020, Whitmer continued to support the Biden campaign and later confirmed she had undergone the extensive vetting process. The profile published on Sunday positions Whitmer as a potential 2028 presidential contender, highlighting how her near-selection as vice president has shaped her political trajectory.
