It's Just Politics

Inside the speechwriter’s room: crafting Governor Whitmer’s voice

By Zoe Clark,

Published June 3, 2026 at 4:30 PM EDT

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Whitmer speaking during the state of state speech — Chai Karve spent five years writing speeches for Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

What’s it like to write for a governor? Chai Karve spent five years writing speeches for Governor Gretchen Whitmer. On today’s It’s Just Politics, Carve takes us behind the scenes of writing speeches for Whitmer and discusses why political speeches still matter in today’s digital age.

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Zoe Clark

Zoe Clark is Michigan Public's Associate General Manager and Political Director. In these roles, Clark guides coverage of the state Capitol, elections, and policy debates. She hosts the weekly show It's Just Politics. As Associate General Manager, she helps to guide Michigan Public’s strategic direction, content vision, and cross-platform integration.

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Rick Pluta

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.

See stories by Rick Pluta