Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) argued Thursday that Democrats need to rethink how they talk to voters, delivering pointed criticism of his own party’s messaging as speculation grows about a possible 2028 presidential run.
The Democratic governor, who has won statewide office three times in heavily Republican Kentucky, cast himself as proof that Democrats can compete in red states if they focus less on partisan rhetoric and more on economic results and everyday concerns.
“I am here as living, breathing proof that if you’re in this for the right reasons, if you want to serve all the people of your state … you can win anywhere,” Beshear said at an event hosted by the Center for American Progress Action Fund.
Beshear said Democrats should spend “80% of our time on things that matter to 100% of the American people,” including jobs, healthcare, and affordability, rather than ideological fights.
In some of his sharpest comments, Beshear warned that Democratic rhetoric can alienate voters the party needs to win back.
“If you ever hear, ‘Why are people voting against their self-interest?’ that’s calling people dumb,” he said.
He also criticized what he called “advocacy speak,” arguing that politicians should communicate in clearer, more direct language when discussing issues such as addiction, food assistance, and criminal justice.
“We are very good at the what,” Beshear said. “We rarely talk about the why.”
The comments come as Democrats continue debating how to reconnect with working-class and moderate voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The conversation turned directly to presidential politics when an audience member asked Beshear whether, if he sought the Democratic nomination in 2028, he would incorporate themes of reconciliation and renewal associated with Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 campaign.
“What a great question,” Beshear replied. “Absolutely.”
The speculation comes as Beshear prepares to release a memoir, Go and Do Likewise: How We Heal a Broken Country, on Sept. 22. The book, published by St. Martin’s Publishing Group, is described as an effort to reclaim faith as a force for good in public life and push back against its use to divide or discriminate, making Beshear the latest Democratic governor and possible 2028 contender to roll out a book ahead of the next presidential cycle.
Beshear also took aim at federal immigration enforcement, describing Immigration and Customs Enforcement as “an out-of-control law enforcement organization” and calling for officers to be retrained.
Drawing on his experience as Kentucky attorney general and governor, Beshear argued that ICE’s tactics have strayed from standard law enforcement practices and raised constitutional concerns.
“They are so overly aggressive compared to any other law enforcement group in the nation,” he said, adding that immigration enforcement should focus on dangerous criminals while respecting due process and individual rights.
At the same time, Beshear acknowledged that Democrats have faced criticism on border security, saying the party had been “too lax on the border” while arguing that stronger enforcement and immigration reform must go hand in hand.
Beshear also drew repeated contrasts with President Donald Trump and his administration, criticizing tariffs, political division, and what he described as an increasingly combative national environment.
“We have to do more as Democrats than win elections,” he said. “We’ve got to heal this country.”
Beshear argued that Democrats should be willing both to fight Republicans and work with them, depending on what produces results.
“The goal has to be to get results,” he said, adding that the party should focus on policies that improve voters’ daily lives rather than defaulting to partisan confrontation.
Throughout his remarks, Beshear emphasized pragmatic governance, pointing to his record working with a Republican-controlled legislature in Kentucky and arguing that voters care more about outcomes than ideology.
BESHEAR ANNOUNCES NEW BOOK AS GOVERNOR BECOMES LATEST DEMOCRAT TO WRITE MEMOIR AHEAD OF 2028
Beshear closed by urging Democrats not to disengage from politics despite voter fatigue, signaling an eye toward upcoming election cycles.
“Don’t lose hope,” he said. “We need you in ’26. We need you in ’28.”