The governor of one of America's reddest states is emerging as a dark horse contender to replace President Joe Biden following his debate stumble.
Known for his disciplined messaging and bipartisan appeal, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) has a track record of navigating the challenging political landscape in his ruby-red state with notable victories.
Beshear's pragmatic approach to governance helped him win election and reelection in 2015 and 2019, respectively, against the backdrop of an increasingly woke national Democratic Party.
While calls for Biden to reassess his position have diminished thanks to the unified front being presented by the Democratic establishment in Washington, Beshear's comments late Monday hinted at continued discontent. (RELATED: Bill Maher Compares Biden Loyalists To ‘Mrs. Goebbels In The Bunker')
Initially supportive of Biden when questioned by reporters, Beshear's tone notably shifted under continued scrutiny, suggesting doubts about Biden's viability.
Per Mediaite:
“It was a very bad night for the president. But he is still the candidate. Only he can make decisions about his future candidacy, so as long as he continues to be in the race, I support him,” replied Beshear, who notably was not even asked about Biden potentially standing down.
At that point, Beshear was asked if he might throw his hat in the ring should Biden decide to drop out.
Beshear's first instinct was to again acknowledge that “only the president can determine his future as a candidate. He is the candidate, and as long as he is, I'm supporting him.”
But when he was once again questioned on the matter, he took the opportunity to promote himself:
“Well, listen, it's flattering when people mention your name in something like that. But I think it's a reflection of all the good things going on in Kentucky. As compared to the rest of the country, the temperature's been turned down here. Democrats and Republicans all excited about the jobs we're creating, the investment that we're seeing, the record low unemployment, the record low recidivism, decreases in our overdose deaths. Those are all really good things.”
“So I think the rest of the country turns to us and says, ‘How can a Democratic governor, a Republican General Assembly, create really good results?' And I think the answer to that is everything is not partisan. And people are tired of the clashes day in and day out. So when they look at what we have done in Kentucky, they see a better future that's beyond some of the back and forth that we see on the federal level.”
Other potential candidates to replace Biden in the increasingly unlikely event he chooses to bow out include Vice President Kamala Harris and Governors Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.), Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) and Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.). Yet after receiving encouragement from his family to stay in the race, party leaders have been showing their support for Biden. (RELATED: Biden Makes Good On Threat – Sues Conservative Media Giant)
Beshear's remarks notably differed from Whitmer's, who publicly confirmed her endorsement of Biden on Monday, with one ominous warning.
According to Politico, Whitmer contacted Biden campaign chair Jennifer O'Malley Dillon to assure her that she was not behind whispered calls to substitute her as a replacement.
However, Whitmer warned that if the election were held today, the president would lose Michigan.
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