Beshear, other governors pledge support at meeting with Biden

President Joe Biden vowed Wednesday to keep running for reelection, as he met with a large contingent of Democratic governors who pledged to stand behind the President's efforts.

Among the governors who were planning to attend in person were Andy Beshear of Kentucky, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Daniel McKee of Rhode Island, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, John Carney of Delaware, Wes Moore of Maryland and Gavin Newsom of California.

Biden met for more than an hour at the White House in person and virtually with more than 20 governors from his party. The governors told reporters afterward that the conversation was “candid” and said they expressed concerns about Biden’s debate performance last week. They reiterated that defeating Donald Trump in November was the priority, but said they were still standing behind Biden and did not join other Democrat legislators who have been urging him to withdraw his candidacy.

A defiant Biden is rejecting growing pressure from Democrats to withdraw after a disastrous debate performance raised questions about his readiness. But, in an ominous sign for the president, a leading ally publicly suggested a way that the party might choose someone else.

“Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running … no one’s pushing me out,” Biden said on a call with staffers from his reelection campaign. “I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win.”

While the White House works to keep elected Democrats in the fold following the rocky debate, the conference has put a national spotlight on Beshear.

Governor Beshear has been suggested as a potential replacement should the President choose to end his campaign.

Beshear on Monday said as long as Biden remains the candidate, he will support the President. 

“I think it’s a reflection of all the good things going on in Kentucky,” Beshear said.

Beshear is one of the most popular governors in the US. Beshear won re-election last year in a state Trump carried in 2020 by over 20 points.

“If Governor Beshear’s name is in the hat for that, I think he would be a tough opponent coming from a red state, being a red state democrat elected governor. And it will just be interesting to watch what the political climate looks like as we move forward. But I am 100% in for Trump,” said Jonathan Shell, the Agriculture Commissioner.