It was a debate as much about what candidates wouldn't say as what they would say.
Gov. Beshear repeatedly prodded Cameron to "look into the camera" and "answer the question," while Cameron again charged that 'TV Andy' doesn't square with the governor's record.
Candidates sparred over the handling of the pandemic, learning loss among students, the troubled juvenile justice system, and pensions. But the exchanges became more heated when the questions got more pointed, especially on abortion and the issue of surgeries for transgender minors.
On the topic of whether he would push for exceptions for rape or incest in the state's strict abortion ban, Cameron has said he would sign a bill containing the exceptions, hinting during one interview that it might take a court decision to prompt action on his part. Monday night, he was asked point blank about his personal position.
"From a personal conviction, do you believe that in cases of rape or incest abortion should be a legal option for women in Kentucky, yes or no, sir?" Shaw asked.
"Look if the legislature brings me that bill, I will sign those exceptions," Cameron answered.
"But you would not push or advocate for it?" she continued.
"I think that the legislature, if they work on this, I will sign those exceptions," Cameron said.
Beshear, meanwhile, was asked directly whether he was aware of non-genital-related surgeries performed on minors at UK when he stated that the procedures were not happening in Kentucky, a quote GOP groups have made hay out of in commercial spots.
"Did you know that the surgeries had been performed — they're no longer — but that had been?" Shaw asked.
"I'm a governor that'll look at you and answer the question," Beshear continued with the theme. "No, I didn't know. I oppose gender reassignment surgeries for minors, but the bill championed by my opponent does so much more than that."
Both candidates did state flatly that that neither would run for U.S. Senate in the next four years.
As for post-debate interviews, Beshear did not take questions. Cameron did, however. Pressed on his ties to former President Trump, he said he would welcome a campaign appearance by the embattled former president and that things were better in the country during Trump's term in office.
The candidates have one more debate Tuesday night on WKYT ahead of the November 7 election.
