Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the opening address for the second day of the Mackinac Policy Conference to an audience of both government and business leaders.
Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, introduced Whitmer and emphasized her history of bipartisan collaboration in a highly polarized federal government, citing a comment from President Trump referring to Whitmer as ‘that woman from Michigan.’ The speech addressed challenges swing-state governors face in achieving political unity amid intense polarization.
“They represented something we always see,” Whitmer said. “Leaders reaching out to listen, to learn and to find alignment in the middle of uncertainty and division. To me, that’s what common ground looks like — leading the American people.”
To begin her final MPC opening address as governor, Whitmer reflected on the state’s recent achievements regarding developments in artificial intelligence, nuclear power and infrastructure.
“We landed the largest economic development deal in Michigan history, putting us on the cutting edge of AI and creating thousands of good-paying jobs in Saline Township,” Whitmer said. “We’re on track to be the first place in North America to restart a nuclear power plant at Palisade, and soon we will open the Gordy House International Bridge.”
Whitmer then acknowledged the challenges currently affecting Michigan as her second term nears its end. Notably, she cited the economic impact and political divide resulting from the United States’ war in Iran.
“We know that chaotic tariffs and costly Iran war are jacking up gas prices and making it harder for families to get ahead,” Whitmer said. “Inflation has just hit a three-year high. Consumer sentiment is down low at historic lows, and Americans are sick and tired of political division.”
Continuing discussions on bipartisan collaboration, Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health, introduced former Vice President Mike Pence as the event’s keynote speaker. Pence addressed the recurring theme of political polarization in the federal government, and expressing support of cross-aisle conversations.
“I believe that democracy depends on heavy doses of civility,” Pence said. “I think the American people long for us to restore a threshold of civility to public life, and it can begin right here. The truth is, as we discuss when (moderator) comes out, the quest for common ground has never been more urgent in our nation.”
After concluding his speech, Pence was joined by Roop Raj, news anchor for FOX 2 Detroit. Their conversation acknowledged Whitmer’s statements about leaders finding peace among partisanship by citing Raj’s past interviews with Pence following his resignation from the Trump administration.
“We don’t talk as often as we used to, which was every day, almost all day long,” Pence said. “The president and I had a great working relationship and it didn’t end the way I wanted it to — but I’ll always believe, by God’s grace, I did my duty to support you.”
In response to Raj’s question about his last contact with Donald Trump, Pence shared that the two have not spoken since a congratulatory phone call following the Trump administration’s 2024 win, marking the close of his connection with the White House.
Looking ahead to midterm elections, Raj asked Pence for his perspective on upcoming political campaigns in Michigan. Pence endorsed Senate candidate Mike Rogers, then discussed the Independent gubernatorial campaign of former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who ultimately exited the race after a drop in polls.
This conversation prompted the question of potential success for future politicians interested in running Independent campaigns within the two-party system. Pence said he wished Duggan had run as a Republican because he believes Democratic and Republican parties are too strong for an Independent campaign to find success.
“You see people being alienated from both political parties, but I think that gives evidence of what I’m saying about the American people,” Pence said. “We’re a two-party system, and that’s a reality.”
Following Pence’s speech, Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. secretary of transportation, conversed with Baruah on current Michigan policy concerns. Baruah began by asking Buttigieg about China’s growth as an industrial power in the automotive sector.
Buttigieg referenced the Indiana automotive manufacturer, Studebaker Corporation, which filed for bankruptcy and ceased production in 1966 due to competition with more financially stable companies. He used the example to highlight the risks facing automotive companies that lack the financial support needed to keep pace with innovation.
“What happens if any sector of the American economy or any firm within the American economy is unable to remain at the cutting edge?” Buttigieg said. “I hope that a sense of urgency is animating our automotive sector on the actual work that has to be done to that cutting edge China is racing to own.”
Buttigieg and Baruah then discussed electric vehicle advancements, and how U.S. corporations can embrace and embed these innovations into their manufacturing. Although U.S. consumer support has declined, Buttigieg reflected on the introduction and recent removal of tax credits for individuals purchasing electric vehicles. He noted the importance of policy progressing alongside technological advancement to maintain a competitive worldwide economy.
Buttigieg continued to discuss transportation policy issues, citing the Trump administration’s opposition to opening the Canadian government-funded Gordie Howe International Bridge.
“(The Gordie Howe International Bridge) is almost hard to comment on, because it is so blindingly obvious,” Buttigieg said. “The bridge should be open, and there should be nothing political about it.”
To conclude the morning speakers, Baruah asked Buttigieg to share his understanding of the conference’s goal of bipartisan collaboration.
“I really admire this convening, because this is something that’s all too rare,” Buttigieg said. “It’s a gathering of people who have very different political persuasions, but a common fate.”
Summer Managing News Editor Alexa Cheaney can be reached at acheaney@umich.edu. Summer News Editor Kylie Harmala can be reached at kharmala@umich.edu.
