Andy Beshear makes waves in Democratic circles as Southern moderate

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is beginning to break through in Democratic circles. 

At last week’s National Action Network (NAN) conference — a key gathering of Black leaders and activists — Beshear stood out among a crowded field of potential contenders, catching the attention of the Rev. Al Sharpton.  

Sharpton, who is the founder of NAN and one of the most influential voices in the Black community, said some attendees — including those who favor other would-be candidates — were struck by Beshear, with some drawing comparisons to Bill Clinton’s run in the 1990s. 

“The overwhelming majority of delegates there and people I’ve talked to around the country are determined to win,” Sharpton said in an interview with The Hill. “They see a Southern governor from a red state that relates to them as something that’s appealing.”

“They think he can win and he’s had the courage to stand up on certain issues,” Sharpton added. “I think it’s that kind of, ‘I like so and so, but I think this guy can win.’” 

Sharpton said those in the New York City ballroom last week were particularly receptive to Beshear’s sentiments on Breonna Taylor, the Black woman killed by Louisville police in 2020, as well as comments about her mother; his vetoes of bills targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs; and his religious views. 

He was also struck by a more personal, unscripted moment off the stage: Beshear brought his son with him to the event after navigating a family scheduling conflict — a gesture Sharpton said........

© The Hill