LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thousands watched the debate between the Democratic president and Republican former president Thursday night. After the debate though, many have questioned if President Joe Biden should step aside and let someone else take on Donald Trump.
Gov. Andy Beshear is one of those names being mentioned.
From a food truck festival near St. Matthews, to the halls of the state capitol, Thursday night's debate was a leading concern for both political parties.
"I think like a lot of Americans on both sides of the isle, it was painful for me to watch the debate last night," Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams said.
Seneca Gardens' mayor had to agree.
"I'm a lifelong democrat, I think the performance was weak," Mayor Bob Kaufman said.
Right after the debate was over, the idea of Beshear becoming the replacement Democratic nominee started trending.
Adams said he's not surprised.
"I obviously was joking about the Beshear candidacy but only half joking because I think it's pretty telling that he's already going to Iowa now," he said.
Chris Coyle, a political science lecturer at Bellarmine University, said it's more likely a prelude to 2028.
"Replacing them is extraordinary unlikely," he said. "Now if one of them backs out, could you go to a convention, throw your hat in the ring, attempt to work delegates and win a broker convention, something that hasn't occurred since the 1960s? Yes."
Coyle added Beshear would have to convince Democratic primary voters to replace Biden, and, "so far he just hasn't been able to do that because he wasn't a candidate this year."
Kaufman believes Beshear would have a shot if he wanted.
"Listen, to be a Democrat in a Republican state, and to get reelected, is a big deal," he said. "So i think he can take those talents, he's young enough, and I think that's what the Democratic Party needs right now."
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But Adams had a different idea.
"If there's a reassembling of their national ticket and there is an opening in the [Vice President] spot, he's the kind of person they can feel comfortable with," the secretary of state said. "I don't think it's an accident that he's already getting out to Iowa. He's just a few months into his term and he's already doing this stuff."
Coyle said it's more likely Biden will choose his vice president, Vice President Kamala Harris, to step in first.
"But if you're going to look outside of that, you'd look at successful governors, and Andy Beshear is at the top of that list," he said.
While the possibility is open, only Beshear himself will be able to make that call.
WHAS11 News did reach out to the governor's office for comment on Thursday's debate and if he's considering a late run for president. His office has yet to respond.
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