Coronavirus Turns Michigan Into 2020’s Ground Zero

Gerald Seib: “Michigan has nearly every ingredient going into the 2020 stew. It is a classic swing state that had been reliably Democratic blue in presidential politics until President Trump turned it Republican red in 2016. Now, Mr. Trump trails in polls there. Michigan has a Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, who is on the shortlist of potential Democratic vice presidential nominees.”

“More immediately, Michigan has become a case study in the cultural and political divide that has opened up over the coronavirus crisis. It has been hit hard by the virus, and Ms. Whitmer has responded with aggressive orders to limit public movement and business activity. Recently she extended Michigan’s state of emergency until May 28; many have cheered her actions.”

“But her extension of the state of emergency also drew a legal challenge this week from Republican leaders in the state legislature, who charged that she has overstepped her authority. Beyond that, the governor’s stand also has brought angry counterprotests in the state capital of Lansing by citizens demanding the state be reopened for business, including some protesters who carried assault rifles as they marched into Michigan’s capitol building.”