This week’s episode features a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. We explore what it means to lead with conviction during a crisis and what Democrats must do to meet the moment.
From historic floods and tornados to public health emergencies and ideological division, Beshear shares how faith and public service guide his decision-making, even when the political risks are high.
“People right now are less worried about how you describe yourself, Democrat, Republican, et cetera, and more about what you’re talking about and how focused you are on their everyday concerns. I think we think people are more political than they are. That when people wake up in the morning, they’re not thinking about their party and they’re thinking about the next election.”
In a surprising turn, Beshear praises the performance of the Trump Administration’s FEMA in Kentucky—even as he critiques current Republican efforts to dismantle critical aid programs.
“The irony of all of it to me is, is Trump’s FEMA on the ground? Has done a good job in Kentucky. They have bettered their customer service. We’re not getting nearly as many complaints. They’re getting a lot of money through individual assistance out to families, especially after flooding. It’s actually a credit to his administration, and it seems to be the thing that they want to undo or unwind. Hopefully, him seeing it personally has an emotional impact because we need FEMA for that emergency response.”
As he prepares to lead the Democratic Governors Association in a pivotal 2026 cycle, Beshear lays out a compelling case for investing in state-level leadership.
“Governors can change the map. They can. We need to win the House. I hope Democrats take a run at the Senate. But if we want future elections in 28 or 32 to be decided by more than five states. We’ve got to elect some new Democratic governors in 26 in these other states. They’re in a more effective position that you’re there every day that you can build out that Democratic party and make a state more competitive.”
He also pushes back on those who question how his politics align with his faith:
“I’ll still have people stand up and say, How can you call yourself? A Christian and be a Democrat. And I’ll say because I believe in empathy and compassion. I believe an acceptance over judgment. I believe people should see a doctor when they’re sick. Guess who else believes that? Jesus.”
Jaime praised Beshear’s willingness to lead from the heart and tell the truth even when it’s not politically convenient.
“You could tell that wasn’t something he poll-tested,” Harrison said. “It was real. And I think that is something we need to find, bottle, and give to the entire Democratic Party.”
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