Joe Biden, Gretchen Whitmer Met In Person Over Potential VP Candidacy, Reports Say

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appears to be very much in consideration to become Joe Biden’s vice president amid reports that she met with the presumptive Democratic nominee last weekend. Whitmer traveled to Delaware, as first reported by The Associated Press, for Biden’s first known in-person meeting with a potential running mate.

Two high-ranking Michigan Democrats who spoke on the condition of anonymity told AP that Whitmer arrived in Delaware Sunday. A Democrat familiar with the vetting process for Biden’s running mate told CNN that the presumptive presidential nominee has also met with other possible vice presidential candidates.

The process to select Biden’s running mate has taken longer than expected. The 77-year-old had previously said he hoped to make an announcement around Aug. 1.

In the 2016 presidential election, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton named their respective running mates before the final week of July.

Close to a dozen women have been thought to be candidates for Biden’s running mate this summer. About a half-dozen have made the shortlist of potential picks, and they are expected to meet with Biden in the near future if they haven’t already done so.

Prior to the latest report, Whitmer hadn’t received nearly as much buzz as other top candidates. The governor of a swing state, Whitmer has a 67% approval rating for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a recent survey conducted by researchers at Harvard, Northeastern, Northwestern and Rutgers.

California Sen. Kamala Harris has been viewed as the favorite by many to be Biden’s choice. Former President Barack Obama's national security adviser Susan Rice has gained steam lately as a possible running mate.

California Rep. Karen Bass, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth are reportedly legitimate candidates, as well, according to reports.