A photo-op in an agricultural town near the University of Michigan with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman electrified criticism on social media as Michiganders expressed disappointment in the governor’s presence. A political strategist told Straight Arrow that Whitmer walks a tight line with the move. 

The photo spread like wildfire over the internet, garnering more than 1 million views and hundreds of comments noting the disapproval of the new data center in Saline Township. The pushback is something that politicians like Whitmer need to take note of and pivot if they want to win elections, strategist Juven Jacob told Straight Arrow.

They are matters that affect the working class, who constantly feel left behind but are voicing sharp opposition to data centers, but billionaire companies roll in with promises to generate job growth, he said. It circles back to the “people over profits” ideal he’s seen winning campaigns adopt. 

“That animosity, that could be harnessed in a powerful way, and you can create a winning coalition just by making this an issue in the campaign,” Jacob said.

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