Beshear, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, spoke Thursday in Louisville alongside Democratic governors from Minnesota, Kansas, Washington and Delaware. The group focused heavily on the economy and criticized President Donald Trump’s tariffs, trade policies and approach to the war in Iran.
Beshear said Democrats are comfortable making the election a referendum on Trump’s second term, especially on issues like the cost of groceries, gas and other everyday expenses.
That comes after Trump told Republicans at their midterm convention in Texas that voters should “pretend” he is on the ballot. Trump also proposed giving American adults $5,000 if Republicans hold on to both chambers of Congress. The media asked Beshear about the President’s offer on Thursday. He called it illegal and Trump the “briber in chief.”
As for the President’s policies, Beshear said voters should weigh them heavily when they head to the polls this November.
“If you are for tariffs, vote for Donald Trump, the Republican candidate. If you are for gas being higher, vote for Donald Trump, the Republican candidate. Otherwise, vote for the Democrat,” said Beshear.
Beshear also announced a new “Expand the Map” fund through the Democratic Governors Association. The goal is to help Democrats compete in more states, including places where Republicans have traditionally had an advantage.
Beshear pointed to Kentucky as an example, saying Democrats should compete everywhere rather than limiting their efforts to traditionally Democratic states and believes his party could flip the state’s 6th Congressional District this year.
The Louisville gathering also highlighted what Democrats describe as growing voter frustration over the economy and Trump’s policies.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the worsening relationship with Canada is especially damaging for his state because of the close economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly raised concerns about how increased beef imports affect farmers and ranchers in her state. She said producers need stable markets and predictable trade policies.
Democrats believe the economy and trade wars could translate into stronger Democratic turnout this fall.
Meanwhile, Republicans argue that Trump’s agenda should remain in place and that maintaining control of Congress is critical to his second-term priorities.
With the midterms approaching, both parties are increasingly framing the election as a choice over the direction of the country, with Trump himself becoming a central part of that debate even though he will not appear on the ballot, to which Beshear said, “If Donald Trump wants to hold a convention saying this election is about him, I fully support his decision.”
