Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear refused to deny Monday that he is in the running to be Kamala Harris’ veep pick, saying instead that “it’s flattering to be a part of it.”
During an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Beshear repeatedly dodged questions about whether he’d been asked to be — or would at least consider being — Harris’ running mate after President Biden dropped his re-election campaign.
“I don’t know how that process is going to work, but it’s flattering to be a part of it,” said the governor, 46.
What to know about President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race:
- President Biden announced Sunday he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race — after weeks of prominent Democrats and donors calling on him to withdraw following his disastrous performance in the first presidential debate.
- In a letter posted on X Sunday afternoon, Biden admitted that it is in the “best interest of my party and country” for him to step down as the Democratic nominee.
- Biden wrote that he intends to serve out the remainder of his term and will address the country on his decision later this week.
- In a follow-up X post, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the suddenly open Democratic nomination. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” the president wrote.
- Former President Donald Trump reacted to the news by labeling Biden the “worst president in the history of our country” in a call with CNN.
“I love my job, I love serving the people of Kentucky. The only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believe I can further help my people and to help this country,” he continued.
“I think if somebody calls you on that, what you do is at least listen. And I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like. Because let me just tell you that JD Vance ain’t from here.”
Beshear’s coyness about the VP role came just moments after he gave Harris, 59, a gushing endorsement — making him the latest Democrat to officially pass on challenging Biden’s chosen successor for the Democratic ticket.
“The vice president is smart and strong which will make her a good president. But she’s also kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president,” Beshear said.
The latest on President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race:
- Biden drops out of presidential race after Democratic revolt following disastrous debate: ‘Best interest of the country’
- Biden drops out of presidential race: live updates
- NY Dems are already lining up behind Kamala Harris to replace Biden — with these big exceptions
- Biden delayed dropping out partly because he doubted Harris’ chances against Trump: report
- Miranda Devine: Joe Biden is too frail to run in 2024 but he’s still our president?
“The contrast between her and those running on the [other] side couldn’t be clearer.”
Speculation has been rife over whom Harris could possibly tap as a running mate if she manages to snag the Democratic nomination.
In addition to Beshear, names being floated include Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The Democratic National Committee is expected to host a virtual vote on the presidential nomination in early August to meet an Ohio ballot access deadline on Aug. 7.