Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) took some heat over the weekend for hosting a campaign event with America Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten — and critics suggested that she was running on her record of lockdowns and school closures.
Weingarten, who defended the unions even as they kept kids out of school months longer than the science suggested was necessary, spoke on Whitmer’s behalf, arguing that the Michigan Governor — whose COVID lockdown policies were among the most draconian in the nation — was a “problem solver” rather than a “problem maker.”
“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: On the other side, who’s stirring up fear, banning books, rolling back rights, and gouging consumers at the pump while they make massive profits. Big Oil is giving to Republican lawmakers who allow them to keep price gouging. #AFTvotes
— AFT (@AFTunion) October 29, 2022
“On the other, who’s stirring up fear, banning books, rolling back right, and gouging consumers at the pump while they make massive profits,” she continued. “Big Oil is giving to Republican lawmakers who allow them to keep price gouging.”
Weingarten went on to declare Whitmer a “problem solver,” claiming that the only thing anyone knew about Republican challenger Tudor Dixon was that she was “besties” with former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
.@rweingarten: This race is too close. And this is where you all come in. I see the determination in this crowd to have the life you deserve, that our communities deserve. So Michigan, will you vote? Will you get out the vote? Yes we can. #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/JDtFL4Qe9B
— AFT (@AFTunion) October 29, 2022
“This race is too close,” Weingarten concluded, calling on the crowd to get out and vote.
“Wow Michigan Dems brought out Randi Weingarten to open for Gretchen Whitmer,” Matt Whitlock responded. “They are actually running on their record of lockdowns and historic learning loss.”
“Imagine how gigantic the teachers union campaign contributions have to be for these Dems to share a stage with the grim reaper of school closures,” Whitlock continued. “An entire generation of kids is suffering through learning loss and mental health challenges in part due to @rweingarten.”
Imagine how gigantic the teachers union campaign contributions have to be for these Dems to share a stage with the grim reaper of school closures.
An entire generation of kids is suffering through learning loss and mental health challenges in part due to @rweingarten.
— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) October 30, 2022
USA Today columnist Ingrid Jacques agreed, adding, “If this doesn’t make you want to vote for Tudor Dixon, I don’t know what would. This is the same teachers union president who advocated and lobbied for keeping schools closed far longer than they needed to be. Baffling that Gov. Whitmer thinks the AFT will help her, but $ talks.”
If this doesn’t make you want to vote for Tudor Dixon, I don’t know what would. This is the same teachers union president who advocated and lobbied for keeping schools closed far longer than they needed to be. Baffling that Gov. Whitmer thinks the AFT will help her, but $ talks. https://t.co/xwHwAAKjxC
— Ingrid Jacques (@Ingrid_Jacques) October 30, 2022
And Tommy Schultz noticed a possible correlation, pointing out, “Randi also gave the closing argument for Terry McAuliffe in the final days of the campaign …”