Democrats are in shambles. In the wake of the polarizing 2024 election, Democrats were faced with an issue: How can they win back the public? While many were surprised by President Trump’s victory, research shows that 81% of voters decided their vote by September 2024. While voters of the left immediately attributed the results to bigotry, a more symbolic reason for Democrats’ failure was left ignored: rural, working-class Americans. However, this misstep in campaigning from the Democrats can be fixed and become a catalyst for a truly inclusive Democratic Party. That fix is Andy Beshear, the current Governor of Kentucky.
A view into Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign for the average working-class citizen in the South looked as follows: “Vote for me if you’re poor,” “Vote for me if you’re struggling,” or “Vote for me if you are not a racist”. Now, of course, these are broad generalizations of Kamala Harris’ platforms, but this dramatized perception of them shows just why they fell flat in the 2024 election. The South is tired of the rhetoric that they are in dire need of more handouts. The South also disproportionately relies on government-assisted funding. Several things can be true at the same time, but the immediate assumption of a crippled South is counterproductive and harmful. Furthermore, the use of anti-racist rhetoric as another tool to garner Democratic support, especially in the South, is highly accusatory and inflammatory. The split between President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris was bound to become symbolic of the overarching struggle of race in America, but a vote for either side is not a declaration of a side in this struggle. These distorted portrayals of the rural Southern vote no longer support the Democratic Party. Andy Beshear has the potential to right these wrongs for the Democratic Party.
Andy Beshear’s career is one of contrast, for he has been a steadfast Democrat in a historically politically Republican and socially conservative state. Kentucky exemplifies the rural audience that Democrats have seemingly forgotten. And with Beshear at the helm, Kentucky has enjoyed the benefits of extended healthcare and financial relief from natural disasters, with support from major industries he negotiated with. The Kentucky governor has mastered the balance between maintaining citizens’ integrity and lending a helping hand when needed. This feat is further supported by his 68% approval rating, the highest of any Democratic governor.
In response to the highly energetic and polarizing rhetoric spewed by President Trump’s Administration, many Democrats have responded in kind. From the veracity of Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett to the defensive actions of Californian Governor Gavin Newsom, both political parties are in a fight for the public’s attention. Consequently, some may say that Andy Beshear simply does not fit the aggressive role Democrats seem to be taking up. Beshear has spent the back half of 2025 hosting bipartisan podcast episodes and commenting on issues across the aisle. However, Beshear’s apprehensiveness toward being decisive is far from a weakness, as seen in the reception of his leadership in Kentucky.
This is not a call for Andy Beshear to be the 2028 Democratic Presidential Nominee. One person in a place of leadership will not fix the intrinsic issues of inclusivity in American politics. If you find yourself to be a warrior for justice or a political activist, then it is your responsibility to lead across the aisle. Even if Beshear does not become a frontrunner for the 2028 election, he serves as an example of a leader America yearns for and one that all politicians should learn from.
