Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) has found herself at the center of controversy after a bizarre video surfaced online, showing her in a situation that many are calling unprofessional and unbecoming of a public official.
The video, posted by feminist journalist Liz Plank on Instagram, depicts Whitmer in a camo Harris-Walz ball cap, feeding Doritos to Plank, who is kneeling on the floor dressed like a schoolgirl.
The scene, which has prompted a wave of online reactions, has been widely criticized as inappropriate for someone in Whitmer’s position of authority.
The video’s caption, “If he won’t, Big Gretch will,” is as cryptic as it is perplexing, leaving many to wonder what exactly Whitmer was aiming to achieve.
While the video appears to be intended as lighthearted or humorous, critics argue that it makes a mockery of Whitmer’s role as governor and raises questions about her judgment and priorities.
WATCH:
Wtf is Gretchen Whitmer doing here? pic.twitter.com/6Uyf982my0
— Brandon Morse (@TheBrandonMorse) October 10, 2024
Some have compared the incident to the infamous photo of former Rep. Katie Hill (D-CA), which involved a similarly inappropriate image that damaged her reputation and ultimately contributed to her resignation from Congress.
The Dorito-feeding video was quick to ignite debate, with critics pointing out that Whitmer’s actions were far from what one might expect of a state governor.
At a time when Michigan is grappling with several serious challenges—ranging from economic struggles to contentious political battles—the decision to participate in a stunt like this seems out of touch with the needs of the state, critics argue.
Some have speculated that Whitmer’s time would be better spent addressing pressing issues, such as Michigan’s struggling economy or the concerns of various voter blocs, including a growing discontent among suburban and rural voters.
It’s worth noting that Whitmer has long been considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, and she was even floated as a potential vice presidential candidate for Joe Biden in 2020.
As governor, she gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, where her strict lockdown policies drew both praise and ire. However, stunts like this one may undermine her hard-won political reputation, and some political analysts suggest it could hurt her credibility going forward.
While Whitmer has yet to comment on the backlash directly, the viral nature of the video has undoubtedly opened her up to criticism from political opponents and constituents alike. Many see the stunt as unprofessional, while others have voiced concern that it portrays Whitmer as being more focused on social media antics than on governing a state facing real challenges.
