(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) Michigan Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hosted a campaign event with America Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, making it seem as if the governor is running on her record of Orwellian lockdowns and extended school closures.
Weingarten attempted to defend the governor, arguing that despite the extreme lockdown, masking rules and vax mandates that kept children out of school for months longer than was recommended, Whitmer was a “problem solver,” the Daily Wire reported.
“These elections come down to whose side we’re on,” Weingarten said. “And I want you to think of problem solvers versus problem makers. Who’s tackling the issues that keep families up at night? Who’s investing in schools? Who’s protecting democracy?”
.@rweingarten: These elections come down to whose side we’re on. And I want you to think of problem solvers versus problem makers. Who’s tackling the issues that keep families up at night? Who’s investing in schools? Who’s protecting democracy? #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/YiHoKkpxMt
— AFT (@AFTunion) October 29, 2022
Weingarten also accused Republicans of banning books, rolling back rights and price-gouging Michigan citizens at the pump.
Whitmer, the incumbent governor, has not temporarily rolled back or lessened the state’s gas tax in an effort to ease the effects of inflation in her state despite having the power to do so.
Whitmer inviting Weingarten to speak on her behalf in the final days on the campaign trail raised some eyebrows, especially as reports of dramatic learning loss as a result of COVID lockdowns continue to surface.
“Wow Michigan Dems brought out Randi Weingarten to open for Gretchen Whitmer,” political commentator Matt Whitlock responded. “They are actually running on their record of lockdowns and historic learning loss.”
Wow Michigan Dems brought out Randi Weingarten to open for Gretchen Whitmer.
They are actually running on their record of lockdowns and historic learning loss. https://t.co/gIC3eWts3I
— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) October 30, 2022
Twitter user Tommy Schultz also pointed out that Weingarten gave the closing argument for former Virginia Democrat Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who lost to Glenn Youngkin in a historically close and contentious race.
Randi also gave the closing argument for Terry McAuliffe in the final days of the campaign… @TudorDixon @DeAngelisCorey https://t.co/uzN0TN4bjd pic.twitter.com/rgvIqhYg1L
— Tommy Schultz (@Tommy_USA) October 30, 2022
Polls indicate that the Michigan election will be very close, with Tudor Dixon putting up a strong debate in the weeks leading up to the midterm.
Several controversial proposals are on the ballot in Michigan, such as Proposal 3, which aims to provide abortion on demand and hormone replacement therapy for minors without parental consent, as well as Proposal 2, which would give convicts the right to vote if passed.
