‘He’s the one.’ Second Beshear inauguration raises hopes amid cynical realities. | Opinion
It’s hard not to feel optimistic on a sparkling winter day filled with marching bands, flags and lots of cheers for the happy, young family of four in a horse-drawn carriage charged with leading our state for the next four years.
For many lined along the parade route Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear’s second inauguration was a day where anything seemed possible, even in the midst of bitter divides on the homefront as war looms abroad.
“It gives me hope for the future — we are the first to show the nation that a red state can elect a blue governor,” said Gene Varbella, a retired educator who has come to every Democratic governor’s inauguration since John Y. Brown’s in 1979.
“He’s the one candidate that can do it.”
Although second terms are where political officials can be far more bold and far-reaching than in their politically sensitive first terms, Beshear’s inaugural address stuck to a well-worn script of his first-term accomplishments — Brent Spence Bridge, Mountain Parkway, Blue Oval SK etc. — and another pledge to rise above partisan politics.
“One of the most difficult challenges before us is that politics – and sometimes even our governance – has become poisonous and toxic,” he said in his speech shared with the Herald-Leader before it was delivered.
“What is supposed to be an exchange of ideas has devolved into grievances and attacks. Some appear to think it’s just a game, that no target is off limits, no lie is too hurtful.
“Together, we will not meet hate with hate, or anger with anger, or even frustration with frustration. Instead, we will continue with the same love, empathy, and compassion that has guided us through so much.”
Those are inspiring words, the kind that send political junkies into dreams of Beshear entering national politics. But it did not give us a sense of new plans for Kentucky beyond what he’s already mentioned. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman made more news when she called for a final push to implement universal preschool.
At the same time, Beshear faces enormous hurdles starting on Jan. 2 when Republicans will put forward an ambitious set of plans on further lowering the income tax, more culture war issues and a constitutional amendment that could signal the demise of public schools.
Beshear’s kumbaya statements made headway with voters, but GOP legislators have, so far, seemed skeptical of the governor’s olive branches (and who can blame them, after the recent press tour by Beshear’s campaign manager who did not so much scorch the earth Republicans trod on as blow it up with dynamite).
But let’s take the optimism of the day, imbued with the soulful sounds of Tyler Childers and the Kentucky State University choir, and hope that two sides could actually work together on so many tough issues Kentucky faces right now: Failing nursing homes and child care centers, teacher shortages, child poverty and the continued opioid crisis.
And maybe, just maybe, we could show the world how red and blue leaders work together.
Judy Solomon, a retired state worker waiting to watch her grandchildren in the parade, said she wishes Beshear well in these endeavors.
“It will take a miracle” to overcome political division,” she said. “But if anyone can do it, he can.”
This story was originally published December 12, 2023 at 3:20 PM.
