Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said Monday that he would support Biden’s reelection as long as he remains the Democratic nominee, despite Biden’s “shoddy” performance in the first presidential debate on Thursday night.
“The debate performance was awful. It was a very bad night for the president, but he’s still a candidate. Only he can make decisions about his future candidacy. So as long as he continues to run, I will support him,” Beshear told reporters. Submitted Clips According to Louisville television station WLKY.
Beshear solidified his status as a rising star in the Democratic Party when he won reelection in strongly Republican Kentucky last November against Republican opponent Daniel Cameron, the state’s Attorney General.
Already one of the most popular governors in the country, his easy victory last year spurred discussion about a future presidential run.
Beshear did not directly answer a question from reporters about whether he had ever considered replacing Biden if the president changed his mind about seeking reelection.
“Only the president can decide his future as a candidate,” Beshear told reporters. “He is the candidate, and as long as he is, I support him.”
Pressed again, Beshear said, “I’m honored to have my name put forward in this way, but I think it’s a reflection of the good things going on in Kentucky.”
Biden’s shaky performance in Thursday’s debate has sparked talk among some Democrats about possibly finding a new candidate to lead the Democratic nominee.
Biden’s campaign has waged a fierce effort to counter the allegations and allay concerns about the president’s ability to lead his nominee.
