LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It's been a week since Democrats were dealt an Election Day gut-punch, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is wasting no time laying out his vision for the party's future.
Beshear authored an op-ed published Tuesday in the New York Times, saying he refuses to play the "blame game" in response to Donald Trump defeating Kamala Harris and Democrats losing the Senate. Beshear was among a handful of people who were vetted this summer to be Harris' running mate.
"What I offer instead is a way forward," Beshear wrote. "I won re-election 12 months ago by five points in a state that Donald Trump just carried by 30 points. And I did so at a time when inflation and illegal border crossings were higher than they are now. So how was it possible? Because the people of Kentucky know I care about them personally and, most important, that I am focused on what matters most in their daily lives. That’s a trust leaders must earn not only in their messaging but also in their everyday actions."
Beshear said most Americans aren't thinking about politics when they wake up. Instead, he listed several other issues, including making enough money to support their family, the next doctor's visit for themselves or their children, and the safety and quality of roads, bridges and schools.
"The Democratic Party must show the American people that it cares about creating a better life for each and every American and re-earn the public’s trust about its focus and its direction," he wrote.
Pundits have pontificated about Beshear's political future, including a potential run for president in 2028. He was re-elected as governor last year, and his term expires in December 2027.
According to an August poll from Statista, Beshear is the third-most popular governor in the United States.
"So while others are talking about political strategy and messaging, the way forward is really about focus and about action," Beshear wrote. "The next several years are the Democratic Party’s chance to show the American people that we will not just run on, but also govern by addressing those core issues that can and will improve the lives of our people. And perhaps the best part? These core issues and concerns aren’t partisan, and addressing them helps Democrats and Republicans alike."
Beshear was asked once again about his political future last week after the election.
“We’ll see what the future holds in the future,” he said. “But right now, my only focus is on this job, is about making sure I continue to stand up for Kentucky and all Americans to ensure that their rights are respected.”
