In an unexpected twist, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who has been touted as a potential replacement for President Joe Biden, has unequivocally ruled out running for the presidency, according to Politico. However, she did not shy away from expressing her concerns over Biden's recent debate performance, warning that it could cost him Michigan, a key swing state.

Whitmer made her sentiments known during a phone call with campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon on Friday. Following speculation that she could be a frontrunner if Biden were to step down, Whitmer conveyed her displeasure at her name being floated and assured O'Malley Dillon of her loyalty to the president.

Interestingly, the revelation of Whitmer's concerns about losing Michigan came from an unexpected source: a potential rival for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, who leaked the information to Politico. This leak hints at underlying infighting among Democrats who are positioning themselves for a post-Biden era, which some believe may come sooner than expected.

Losing Michigan would be a significant blow to Democrats, especially after the state firmly supported Biden in the 2020 election and Whitmer secured a convincing victory in her bid for a second term as governor in 2022. During her campaign, Whitmer not only won by a 10-point margin but also led the party to a trifecta, shutting Republicans out of statewide office positions. All this should have made Michigan a more favorable prospect for Biden compared to 2020.

Whitmer, 52, is not the only young governor being considered as a potential replacement for Biden. Other names being floated include California's Gavin Newsom, Maryland's Wes Moore, Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro, Kentucky's Andy Beshear, and North Carolina's term-limited Roy Cooper. However, it is Whitmer's two election victories, along with her appeal in the crucial Midwest region, that have captured the attention of donors and senior party figures.

While Whitmer has tweeted her support for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, her absence from Sunday morning TV shows raises questions about the strength of her commitment. In contrast, Maryland Governor Wes Moore appeared on CBS' Face the Nation, where he explicitly ruled out seeking the nomination in 2024.

Whitmer is set to regain media attention with the upcoming release of her memoir, titled "True Gretch," on July 9. The timing could be advantageous for her if Biden continues to experience waning support within the Democratic Party. The book focuses on her commitment to getting things done and presents a stark contrast to the Biden campaign's messaging about protecting democracy and opposing a second Trump presidency.

The book appears to be a strategic move towards a potential 2028 presidential nomination. Whitmer's term as governor ends in 2026, providing her with ample time to position herself for the nomination process. However, the book's release could also serve as fuel for a potential snap campaign in 2024.

As whispers of uncertainty surrounding Biden's future grow louder, some Democrats are rallying around the president. During a family gathering at Camp David, Biden's loved ones urged him to persevere instead of stepping aside. The blame for his lackluster debate performance has been directed towards his preparation team, specifically Anita Dunn, his senior White House advisor, and Bob Bauer, his personal attorney who portrayed Trump during prep sessions.

Ultimately, the strongest show of support for the president came from his son, Hunter Biden, who encouraged his father to embrace his scrappy nature and exhibit a commanding grasp of the facts, as reported by The New York Times.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Whitmer's commitment to Biden will unfold in the coming days. Her memoir release and media appearances will undoubtedly shed more light on her intentions, particularly if Biden's support within the Democratic Party continues to dwindle.