Beshear reacts to talk of becoming VP pick

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear with a Team Kentucky update on Thursday talking about multiple topics.

But the topic everyone wants to hear about, his take on being vetted as a possible running mate for vice president Kamala Harris.

For weeks there has been speculation that Beshear could be a part of the 2024 democratic presidential campaign. Either as the presidential candidate or as a vice presidential candidate.

The speculation started after President Joe Biden’s performance at the first presidential debate, after which he heeded calls to step aside.

Now Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be the democratic front-runner. After Biden suspended his campaign and threw his support to Harris.

“I am honored to be considered,” said Beshear. “And regardless of what comes next, I’ll do everything I can between now and election day to elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States of America.”

If Harris becomes the official democratic nominee, she will run against former president Donald Trump.

A candidate Beshear says he can’t believe is allowed to run, especially after the January 6th attack on the Capitol, which he says Trump incited.

“We deserve better, can’t believe that he is somehow a presidential candidate after all of that,” said Beshear. “And it just shows why we need after this election, to get to such a better. We’re supposed to be Americans first, before we’re democrats or republicans and we seem to have forgotten that. Now. I believe vice president Harris is the candidate that can help lead us past that.”

Beshear says he does plan to finish out his term as governor.

“The only way that I would consider accepting anything else is if I believe that I can help this state and this country more in a different way. It is a great responsibility and a great gift to be able to serve as Kentucky’s governor, and no matter what this is my home.”

And, if he is chosen as Harris’ vice president, he would face Trump’s running mate Senator J.D. Vance, who has Kentucky roots.

“What I said about J.D. Vance isn’t because of anything that is rumored about me, or any role he stepped into, it’s because he has exploited and attempted to attack my fellow Kentuckians. And it’s my job as governor to stand up, when that happens.”

We expect a decision by Harris in less than two weeks.