Beshear saw his name added to the mix not long after the first debate between Biden and former President Trump, but waited until Monday to comment. Beshear was asked about the debate and ensuing turmoil surrounding the top of the ticket.
"It was a very bad night for the president, but he is still the candidate only he can make decisions about his future candidacy," the governor told reporters. "And so as long as he continues to be in the race, I support him."
It’s a vote of support, but not one that precludes any chance of Beshear stepping in — however unlikely. Pressed on whether he would consider the possibility “if he had to,” the governor described the suggestion as "flattering," then pivoted to discussing why national Democrats might have their eye on the commonwealth.
"I think it's a reflection of all the good things going on in Kentucky," he said.
Beshear has made his support for the incumbent clear throughout the campaign, issuing his official endorsement last October.
Mentions of the Kentucky governor as a presidential backstop started Friday, with an anonymous top Biden donor telling Reuters there would be calls for a brokered convention and the donor’s pick was Beshear. The reason cited: Beshear's reelection in deep red territory.
He joins Vice President Kamala Harris, and fellow Democratic governors Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan and California's Gavin Newsom.
Beshear has repeatedly pledged to serve out his full term as governor, which ends in 2027.
Asked recently on WKYT about whether he was open to any political possibilities at the federal level, the governor said this.
"If I think I can make a difference, if I thought I could bring people together more nationally than just in Kentucky, that's something I'd really consider," he said.
While Beshear has moved to elevate his national profile, starting a political action committee, he has consistently quashed suggestions he might run for Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat in 2026.
