Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently commented on the struggles of President Joe Biden in gaining widespread recognition for his infrastructure successes among voters. She explained that the ongoing pandemic has left many people preoccupied and stressed out, causing them to pay little attention to what’s happening in Washington.
Whitmer, known for her successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign slogan ‘fix the damn roads,’ emphasized the importance of effective political messaging. She suggested that Democrats need to engage with voters and communicate the benefits of initiatives like the bipartisan infrastructure law and the CHIPS Act, which aims to enhance semiconductor manufacturing in the US.
Despite seeing the infrastructure law as a major political achievement, recent surveys show that voters are split on how Biden compares to the previous administration. Results from a Politico-Morning Consult poll revealed that 40% of registered voters believe Biden has done more for infrastructure upgrades and job creation, while 37% favor former President Trump’s approach.
To improve public perception and garner more support, Whitmer stressed the need to tell a better narrative about the positive impacts of these legislative efforts. As a cochair of Biden’s reelection campaign and a potential future presidential candidate, Whitmer’s insights carry weight within the Democratic Party.
