Special Poll
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) has stepped into the spotlight as a key critic of Vice President Harris’s potential rival, GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). Beshear, who recently hinted at an openness to being Harris’s running mate, has been vocal about his views on Vance, calling him a “phony” and claiming he’s not a true representative of their shared Appalachian region.
The exchange between Beshear and Vance comes amid speculation about who might join Harris on the Democratic ticket. Beshear and Vance, hailing from neighboring states, have centered their sparring on their connections to Appalachia, a region rich in political and cultural history.
When asked on MSNBC if he’d consider being Harris’s running mate, Beshear said he would “at least listen” to such a call. He emphasized his Kentucky roots, contrasting them with Vance’s background. Vance responded by calling Beshear’s critique “very weird,” pointing out that Beshear comes from a political family, with his father being a former Kentucky governor.
Beshear hit back on CNN, criticizing Vance’s previous stance against Trump and questioning his authenticity. He also took a dig at Vance’s memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which details Vance’s upbringing in Ohio.
Vance’s spokesperson, Taylor Van Kirk, defended Vance’s Appalachian roots, arguing that Vance spent summers in Appalachia and came from a poor family, while Beshear had a privileged upbringing.
The dynamic between Beshear and Vance is notable as Beshear is considered a top contender for Harris’s vice presidential pick, along with Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D). Beshear’s appeal includes his ability to attract voters in a state that heavily supported Trump in the past elections.
Since winning his reelection bid last year, Beshear’s national profile has risen. Democratic strategist Crimson MacDonald noted that it’s not surprising Beshear is on a VP shortlist, given his popularity and success in a predominantly Republican state.
Beshear’s increasing prominence and his confrontations with Vance suggest he’s preparing for a larger role. Political science professor Dewey Clayton observed that Beshear might be positioning himself as a strong counter to Vance, especially given their regional ties.
While some strategists argue that Harris might prefer a running mate from a battleground state like Kelly or Shapiro, others believe Beshear’s appeal in a Trump-supporting state could be a significant asset.
Reports vary on whether Beshear is actively being considered for the VP slot, with conflicting information about his status in the vetting process. Nonetheless, Harris is expected to make her decision soon, with the Democratic convention and the election fast approaching. Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright emphasized the importance of a timely decision to maintain momentum and strengthen their coalition.