- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed concern about the campaign’s message on abortion
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker complained about the administration’s handling of the migrant crisis
- Maryland Governor Wes Moore worried that Democrats would fail to reach young people
Prominent Democrats are pulling aside Vice President Kamala Harris to express their concerns about President Joe Biden and his 2024 campaign.
When Harris hosted a group of Democratic governors at her home in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer pointedly criticized the way the campaign talked about abortion, according to a report by CNN.
The complaining continued as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker raised concerns about the migrant crisis and Maryland Governor Wes Moore raised concerns about the campaign’s failure to reach young voters.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris about abortion rights
Top Democratic governors complained to Vice President Kamala Harris about the direction of the campaign
Whitmer’s complaints were particularly stinging because Harris has made abortion rights her top issue as she campaigns.
The criticism appeared to be a direct shot at Harris, as Whitmer was also on the shortlist for Biden’s running mate in 2020. Biden favored Whitmer but ultimately chose Harris because advisers insisted he choose a Black woman.
Harris has also fielded complaints from Rep. Debbie Dingle (D-MI) about Biden’s approach to the war in Gaza, which has damaged his support for Arab Americans.
The vice president also recently hosted a group of male black Democrats to help reach black men on the campaign trail.
US Vice President Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, Cliff Albright, the executive director of the Black Lives Matter fund, and several black mayors were invited to her home to discuss the government’s difficulties in the election. The group was heavily critical of the campaign they shared with Harris.
As the issue of Biden’s age grows, Harris has tried to step into the vacuum and project confidence as the president’s number two.
Last week, Harris traveled to the Munich Security Conference to reassure European leaders that the United States continued to support Ukraine and NATO, while also criticizing Israel’s war in Gaza.
The vice president told the Wall Street Journal earlier this month that she was “ready to serve” as president and that there was “no doubt about that,” despite her own low approval ratings.
An NBC poll conducted in January found that 53% of voters view her negatively. Only 28% of voters rate her positively.
