USA (Washington Insider Magazine) – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently stated that it “wouldn’t hurt” President Joe Biden to take a cognitive test, especially following criticisms of his mental fitness after a challenging debate performance in June. During an interview with CNN’s Abby Phillip, Whitmer, a fellow Democrat, was asked about the necessity of such tests for Biden and former President Donald Trump. She maintained that the scrutiny was warranted but did not advocate for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Acknowledging Biden’s less-than-stellar debate performance, Whitmer argued that the president is dedicated to serving the American public.
“He shows up every day and fights for the American public. He cares about other people more than he cares about himself,”
she said. Whitmer emphasized the high stakes of the current political climate, particularly with Trump facing serious legal challenges, including 34 felony convictions.
“We can’t lose sight of how high these stakes are,”
she added.
In a recent interview with ABC News, Biden downplayed concerns about his cognitive abilities, stating that being president requires a daily mental assessment. When questioned about undergoing cognitive tests, he replied,
“No one said I had to. … They said I’m good.”
Despite this, there has been mounting pressure from some Democrats for Biden to step aside to preserve party chances in upcoming elections. Nine House Democrats have publicly called for Biden to reconsider his reelection bid, with Vermont Senator Peter Welch being the first in the Senate to voice similar sentiments.
Whitmer, often mentioned as a potential candidate should Biden withdraw, recently participated in a meeting with Biden and other Democratic governors. She refrained from making public comments immediately afterward but expressed concern over the energy being spent discussing Biden’s performance rather than focusing on Trump, whom she described as an existential threat to democracy.
Moreover, she raised concerns about the potential ramifications of a Trump presidency, referencing the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that grants presidents significant immunity from prosecution for official acts.
“I think everyone who is critical or has a mind of their own should be concerned about someone who is willing to abuse power and misuse it,”
she cautioned, highlighting the precarious situation if Trump were to regain the White House.
Whitmer’s comments reflect a growing anxiety among Democrats regarding Biden’s viability as a candidate and the broader implications for the party’s future. While she stands firmly behind the president, she acknowledges the tough conversations happening within the party as they prepare for the 2024 elections.
