Even so, Beshear’s record helps him lay down clear lines of contrast with some of his likely rivals for the Democratic nomination should he seek it.
“So what advice do I give candidates? Never throw anyone under the bus. Stand up for your convictions,” he says.
In case the subtext wasn’t obvious, Beshear is setting up a direct difference with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the all-but-declared contender who has said Democrats had mangled the issue of transgender rights, especially when it comes to student athletes.
While Newsom has one of the most pro-LGBTQ records of any governor in history, he angered much of the party’s base last year with comments on trans athletes, most notably in his debut as a podcaster, in which he told Charlie Kirk that transgender athletes participating in girls’ sports was “deeply unfair.”
“I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness. It’s deeply unfair,” Newsom told Kirk.” “I am not wrestling with the fairness issue. I totally agree with you.”
