In 2016, Democrats were shell-shocked when Michigan flipped for Trump. It could happen again, so Joe Biden shuffled over to host some events. It's time to bolster that Blue Wall. Biden staved off a potential Julius Caesar moment by doing well enough during his NATO presser last night, though some passages were more appropriate for the Democratic Convention. Even before Biden landed, he was humiliated—top Democrats ran into the bunker ahead of the president's visit, from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to United Auto Workers Union President Shawn Fain (via Associated Press):
Look, we all have scheduling conflicts sometimes. "Netflix-and-chill" nights, having to look at new carpet samples, miniature golf outings, etc. It's not like this is the President of the United States or something. https://t.co/TjPlfHTjFL
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) July 12, 2024
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Gary Peters, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, and UAW President Shawn Fain will not attend Biden's appearance in Michigan - AP
— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) July 12, 2024
All schedule conflicts. Right? https://t.co/lbKe4L5mPe
— umichvoter 🏳️🌈 (@umichvoter) July 12, 2024
… at a critical juncture when Biden needs to consolidate support, key Democratic leaders in the state will notably be absent at Friday’s event, where Biden plans to speak about the “Project 2025” agenda, a massive proposed overhaul of the federal government drafted by longtime allies and former officials in the Trump administration.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is co-chair of Biden’s campaign, will be out of the state. Sen. Gary Peters, a steadfast supporter of Biden, and Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is vying for Michigan’s open Senate seat, will also be absent from the event. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, whom Biden actively courted during last year’s strikes and who met with him and other union leaders Wednesday, is traveling for a conference.
Rep. Hillary Scholten, who is seeking reelection in a battleground district in western Michigan, joined a growing list of national Democrats who have called on Biden to step aside.
It’s also not the first time Democrats have run for the hills regarding Mr. Biden. Expect many more ‘scheduling conflicts’ concerning Biden’s campaign travel and vulnerable Democrats.
At least three Senate Democrats that are in cycle are skipping the meeting with President Biden’s campaign team:@SenatorTester “scheduling conflict”@SenSherrodBrown “not interested in campaign meetings”@timkaine “previously scheduled commitment”
— Julie Tsirkin (@JulieNBCNews) July 11, 2024
w/ @ryanobles @frankthorp
‘We support you, Joe—but stay the hell away from me’ is quite the narrative.
Also, how is this reassuring for Democrats?
Biden, dazed and confused, starts rambling incoherently about being "a full professor at the University of Pennsylvania" (total lie) and regurgitates the "very good people" hoax pic.twitter.com/ONGK8zHoED
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 12, 2024
“I promise you … I’m okay,” @JoeBiden tells supporters in Michigan. pic.twitter.com/tnXgCmtbuN
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) July 12, 2024
BIDEN: *indecipherable slurring* pic.twitter.com/aCY9DVWsi5
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 12, 2024
Yikes:
A Michigan voter who has been voting Democrat for 50 years blasts Biden:
— Bobby LaValley (@Bobby_LaVallley) July 12, 2024
"I was gonna suck it up and vote for Biden. But when I saw him in the debate, I think it would be reckless to vote for him." pic.twitter.com/TZtAruu0gG