“We are not one another’s enemy”: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Calls For National Unity in Washington Post Op-ed, Vows to Hold Trump Accountable

Following news of a foiled plot to kidnap her and overthrow the state government, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave a rousing speech and penned an op-ed in the Washington Post calling for national unity. 

In the Washington Post, Gov. Whitmer slammed the President and Republican leaders for refusing to condemn white supremacists and domestic terrorists who seek to tear our country apart. She wrote, “When our leaders encourage domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions. When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit.”

The Governor also pleaded with Americans to come together during this national crisis, reminding everyone to “show a little kindness and a lot more empathy.” She ended her piece simply by saying, “We will get through this together.”

These words are especially meaningful coming from Gov. Whitmer, who in addition to facing this politically-motivated kidnapping plot, has also dealt with vitriolic comments hurled by President Trump and the refusal of the Trump administration to recognize the threats made against her safety. 

“That woman from Michigan” has stood strong against these threats and the bullying from the President, showing the American people what real leadership looks like. And it’s clear Michiganders appreciate the job Gov. Whitmer is doing – in a poll released this week, the majority approved of her leadership on the pandemic.

Read Gov. Whitmer’s op-ed below.

Washington Post: Gretchen Whitmer: I will hold the president accountable for endangering and dividing America

When I addressed the people of Michigan on Thursday to comment on the unprecedented terrorism, conspiracy and weapons charges against 13 men, some of whom were preparing to kidnap and possibly kill me, I said, “Hatred, bigotry and violence have no place in the great state of Michigan.” I meant it. But just moments later, President Trump’s campaign adviser, Jason Miller, appeared on national television accusing me of fostering hatred.

I’m not going to waste my time arguing with the president. But I will always hold him accountable. Because when our leaders speak, their words carry weight.

When our leaders encourage domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions. When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit. And when a sitting president stands on a national stage refusing to condemn white supremacists and hate groups, as President Trump did when he told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” during the first presidential debate, he is complicit. Hate groups heard the president’s words not as a rebuke, but as a rallying cry. As a call to action.

2020 should be the year for national unity. In the midst of the worst public health crisis we have seen in our lifetimes, we should all come together as Americans to fight covid-19 and protect each other.

[…]

I’ve said it many times — we are not one another’s enemy. This virus is our enemy. And this enemy is relentless. It does not care if you are a Republican or a Democrat, young or old, rich or poor. It does not care if we are tired of it.

It threatens us all — our lives, our families, our jobs, our businesses and our economy. It preys on our elderly and medically vulnerable residents, and it has exposed deep inequities in our society.

For the past seven months, I have made the tough choices to keep our state safe. These have been gut-wrenching decisions no governor has ever had to make.

When I get out of bed every morning, I think about the high school seniors, such as my daughter, who missed graduation ceremonies. I think about those who have missed weddings and funerals. I think about all the parents who are working from home, making breakfast every day, logging kids into their Zoom classes and doing laundry. I think about the small-business owners who spent a lifetime building something great, who are now hanging on by their fingernails just to keep the lights on.

And I think about the 212,000 Americans who have died as a result of this virus. Deaths that could have been avoided, had the president treated covid-19 like the crisis he has known it to be from the beginning.

[…]

There will be more hard days ahead. But we must all show a little kindness and a lot more empathy. Give one another some grace. And let’s take care of each other.

Wear your mask. Stay six feet apart. Wash your hands frequently. And look out for your neighbors.

We will get through this together.