Since the Biden-Trump debate, Democrats have struggled to unify their party around a presidential candidate. With President Joe Biden’s public blunders and reports of his party’s internal disagreement, Democrats needed a solution more than ever.
Now, with Joe Biden off the ticket and Vice President Kamala Harris front and center as the presumptive nominee, the party is poised to move from chaos to unification.
However, the biggest obstacles are likely yet to come.
Harris must unite voters and offer a plan to address the issues that matter most to Americans: the economy, foreign affairs, immigration and abortion access.
Harris needs a vice president who can bolster voters’ faith in her vision for America to accomplish these aims.
An unexpected vice-presidential candidate has emerged: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
ABC recently reported that Beshear is one of the candidates being vetted by the Harris campaign.
One of Beshear’s greatest gifts provides the antidote to the chaos that Democrats are embroiled in: his ability to unite voters who hold a wide range of political views.
Just five years ago, Kentuckians selected him as governor. In a state that usually blazes red, he managed to seize 5,000 more votes than his Republican contender, incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin.
In 2023, Beshear retained his position as governor by defeating a rising star in the Republican Party, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
Beshear claimed victory in a state where former President Donald Trump defeated his competitor by almost 26 percentage points, according to NBC News.
Additionally, Beshear boasts a high approval rating due to his accomplishments and persona. During his time in office, he confidently led Kentucky through the COVID pandemic and the public outcry following the Breonna Taylor shooting.
His reputation as governor could boost voters’ confidence in Harris if she selects him as the vice-presidential candidate.
The Morning Consult released polling on July 24, 2024, that shows Beshear maintaining a remarkable 67% approval rating among Kentuckian voters.
His popularity stems from two primary factors: his endearing charisma and moderate political stances.
It is no doubt that his charisma swayed Kentuckian voters during the gubernatorial elections. His Southern charm, easy-laugh and friendly demeanor cause even Republicans to soften toward him.
His personality offers the antithesis to Trump’s vice president pick, United States Senator J.D. Vance.
Beshear’s qualities should reassure independent voters who are deterred by Trump and Vance’s fiery rhetoric and right-leaning politics.
Trump would have been wise to select a moderate running mate. Harris doesn’t have to make the same mistake.
Beshear connected with his constituents and criticized Vance’s portrayal of Kentuckians on MSNBC’s show, Morning Joe.
“I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like, because let me just tell you that J.D. Vance ain’t from here…The nerve that he has to call the people of Eastern Kentucky lazy? Listen, these are the hardworking coal miners that powered the Industrial Revolution,” Beshear said.
Beshear remains united with Harris while Vance has a complicated past of directing severe criticism toward Trump, calling him “America’s Hitler” and a “cynical asshole.”
Beshear utilized his interview on Morning Joe to highlight Harris’ accomplishments as a prosecutor and politician and the commendable character qualities she holds describing her as smart, strong, empathetic and kind.
On the show, Beshear remained coy about the prospect of running alongside Harris. However, he used the opportunity to fully endorse Harris for the presidential nomination.
While a Harris-Beshear ticket may never turn Kentucky blue, his vice-presidential nomination could bolster Harris’ advantage over Trump.
His moderate politics, warm persona and proven track record of leading Kentucky through tumultuous times could unite voters around Harris’ campaign.
The sooner Harris picks Beshear, the better.
