Beshear named to TIME’s 100 ‘Next’ list for ‘portrayal of postpartisan leadership’
Gov. Andy Beshear made TIME Magazine.
The governor was included on the “TIME 100 Next” list that spotlights 100 people the magazine sees as “rising stars” in politics, business, entertainment and more.
A writer for the magazine praised Beshear’s “convincing portrayal of post-partisan leadership.”
Though it makes elected Republicans in the state rankle, the 46-year-old governor has frequently tried to frame himself as someone above traditional left versus right politics. The short profile of Beshear, penned by TIME journalist Philip Elliott, mentions his frequent citation of the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, general unifying language and frequent reference of federal funds flowing into the state.
The profile suggests these were contributing factors to Beshear’s five point reelection win over former Republican attorney general Daniel Cameron. That result, given Kentucky’s strong conservative bent, earned him praise from Democrats elsewhere.
Elliott wrote that “it surprised no one” when Beshear was named on the short list of potential running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now running for president against former GOP president Donald Trump — Harris ended up picking Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Elliott ends with a reference to Beshear’s vetoes of Republican-backed legislation, though nearly all of those get overridden, and his support for medical marijuana and Medicaid expansion.
“The scion of Kentucky Democrats’ most formidable family, he has managed to lead his conservative state even as a Republican supermajority at the statehouse routinely sends him veto-destined legislation, delivering on big ideas like legalizing medical marijuana and expanding Medicaid to cover vision and dental care. And his commitment to reproductive rights has been as steady as his presence during a slate of floods and tornadoes, making the 46-year-old Beshear a winner of praise well beyond Kentucky,” Elliott wrote.
The list Beshear appeared on is separate from the “TIME 100” list of influential people.
