Former GOP Michigan governor endorses Biden, calls Trump a ‘bully’
Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Thursday, arguing the former vice president would “bring back civility” to the United States and work on “bringing Americans closer together.”
“He has shown the desire to heal a deeply divided nation; has demonstrated strong moral character and empathy; and he seems willing to listen to people who have different perspectives from his own,” Snyder, a Republican, wrote in an op-ed in USA Today.
Snyder, a former computer industry executive who memorably introduced himself to voters as “one tough nerd” during his first run for office, blasted President Donald Trump as a “bully” who refuses to respect opposing points of view.
“Being strong is standing up for your convictions. Being a bully is trying to intimidate those who are perceived to be weaker or a threat,” Snyder wrote. “As a proud nerd, I had to deal with bullies over many years; it is tragedy watching our world suffer from one.”
Biden has now received the formal backing of the Midwestern swing state’s three most recent governors. Snyder’s predecessor, Democrat Jennifer Granholm, and his successor, incumbent Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, endorsed Biden in the run-up to Michigan’s March presidential primary.
But Snyder's endorsement could also come with scrutiny from some Democrats unwilling to embrace the former governor, who has faced significant criticism for his handling of the Flint water crisis.
Biden’s campaign has sought to highlight bipartisan support for his candidacy, rolling out a series of endorsements from former Trump administration officials and Republican officeholders in recent weeks.
At their four-day nominating convention last month, Democrats offered speaking roles to multiple Republicans, including former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former New York Rep. Susan Molinari, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman and business executive Meg Whitman.
Last week, the former vice president’s campaign launched “Republicans for Biden,” a national effort aimed at encouraging GOP voters supporting Biden to organize in their communities ahead of the November election.
The announcement coincided with more than two dozen former Republican members of Congress endorsing Biden, including former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, a frequent Trump critic within the GOP who opted against running for reelection in 2018.
Reuters reported Thursday morning that Snyder was one of nearly 100 Republican and independent leaders expected to endorse the Democratic presidential nominee.
The group, called “Republicans and Independents for Biden,” also includes Christine Todd Whitman and former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, who unsuccessfully challenged Trump in the 2020 Republican primary.
