I had the honor of sitting down with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for a critical conversation at a moment when our nation is once again staring straight into the face of political violence.
The contrast between how leaders respond to tragedy could not be clearer. After the horrific racist mass shooting in Charleston in 2015, President Obama led with grace and unity. He even sang Amazing Grace to remind us of our shared humanity. Compare that to Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, who use every act of violence, every assassination, every tragedy, as fuel to smear their political opponents and inflame their base. Instead of calming the storm, they pour gasoline on the fire.
Governor Beshear reminded us what real leadership looks like. He spoke with compassion about the vile murder of Charlie Kirk, not as a Republican or Democrat, but as a father and human being horrified by the loss. He made it plain: condemning murder should never be partisan. “It’s not that hard,” he said. “Just say that it’s wrong. Condemn it every time.”
Beshear also drew attention to what so many in power ignore. Americans are exhausted, fearful, and simply trying to care for their families. People don’t wake up every morning thinking about party labels. They wake up worried about groceries, rent, doctor visits, and jobs. And yet Trump has made all of those things harder with reckless tariffs, economic mismanagement, and his endless obsession with political revenge. Even Republican Senators from Kentucky, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, have had to admit tariffs are nothing more than a tax on the American people.
But what struck me most was Beshear’s approach to leadership in a so-called “red state.” He has never wavered in his defense of civil rights, LGBTQ rights, or marginalized communities. He does so not with hedging or cowardice, but with conviction, and by explaining why. He vetoed anti-LGBTQ bills because, as he said, every person is a child of God, perfect as they are. That’s not “political strategy.” That’s leadership rooted in decency and humanity.
There’s a lesson to be learned here for Democrats across the country. People respect conviction, even when they disagree. They’re tired of poll-tested platitudes and focus-group jargon. They want leaders who tell the truth, fight for what’s right, and show up every single day to make their lives better. That’s what Beshear is doing in Kentucky, and it’s why his message resonates far beyond party lines.
Trump and Vance represent the opposite. They represent cowardice dressed up as cruelty. They thrive on division, lies, and scapegoating. But their politics of hate will collapse under the weight of leaders who refuse to dehumanize their neighbors, who instead insist on healing and unity.
This is the moment. As Governor Beshear told me, “We are all human beings first and members of a political party second, third, or fourth.” That’s the America worth fighting for.
Watch my interview with Governor Beshear above. Remember to add the MeidasTouch Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more reports and interviews. And to continue to grow this pro-democracy community, consider joining now as a paid subscriber.
