Gretchen Whitmer dismisses polls showing Harris leading Trump in Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer rejects recent polls suggesting Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump by 5 points in Michigan, calling the data inaccurate and expressing doubt about the poll’s validity.

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has publicly rejected a recent poll that shows Vice President Kamala Harris holding a five-point lead over former President Donald Trump in the state. The Democratic governor, who has played a pivotal role in state politics, expressed doubts over the accuracy of the polling data, calling it misleading.

At a press event, Whitmer commented on the poll, stating, “It’s just not true.” She emphasized that Michigan remains highly competitive and that no one should take such results for granted. Whitmer argued that the dynamics on the ground are far more nuanced than what is reflected in any single poll.

The poll in question, conducted by a major political research firm, suggested that Harris would have a competitive edge over Trump in a head-to-head matchup if the 2024 election were held today. Whitmer, however, pointed out that while polling data may give some insight into public opinion, it often does not account for the full complexity of voter behaviour, particularly in swing states like Michigan.

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Whitmer has been a vocal advocate for Democratic causes, and her influence in Michigan politics is significant. Nevertheless, she stressed the need for her party to remain focused on engaging voters and ensuring they do not become complacent based on polling numbers. “We saw how things played out in 2016,” Whitmer reminded reporters, referring to Trump’s unexpected victory in Michigan that year.

Michigan is considered one of the most crucial battleground states in U.S. presidential elections. In 2020, President Joe Biden narrowly won the state by a slim margin. Any shifts in polling in Michigan are closely watched by both parties as they strategize for the upcoming election.