WASHINGTON — After auditioning as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, with campaign stops around the U.S., Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., was front and center as the Democratic National Convention opened Aug. 19.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., was front and center as the Democratic National Convention opened Monday, Aug. 19 

  • His primetime address on reproductive rights was just one of a dizzying number of speaking events 

  • Over the last four days, Beshear has attended meetings of the DNC’s Labor and Rural Councils, took part in a Harris campaign press briefing and addressed the delegations of 13 states

  • Beshear had been under consideration in recent weeks as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris 

Beshear's primetime address on reproductive rights was just one of a dizzying number of speaking events for him during the DNC.

He spoke at meetings of the DNC’s Labor and Rural Councils, took part in a Harris campaign press briefing and addressed the delegations of 13 states, including the battlegrounds of Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, according to his team.

In between, he squeezed in several national cable news hits.

“I get that we’re on day 4 and we’re all tired, but we’re going to be a lot more tired as the campaign continues,” Beshear told a Michigan crowd Thursday. “As my buddy Tim Walz says, ‘We can sleep when we’re dead.’”

Millions were watching Tuesday night, Aug. 20, as Beshear took part in the boisterous state-by-state roll call vote, ceremoniously confirming Harris as the Democrats’ nominee.

He used it to tout his administration’s partnership with the Biden-Harris administration.

“Since 2021, the Biden-Harris administration has shown up for the commonwealth of Kentucky, and today we’re showing up for Vice President Harris,” Beshear said. “With this administration, we’ve broken every record for private sector investment, exports, tourism, wages and new jobs. Together, we’re building the two largest battery plants on planet Earth.”  

Political analysts have said conventions are an opportunity for ambitious politicians like Beshear to become better known and build their brands, increasing their opportunities for future advancement in a run for higher office or a political appointment.

“I think he's getting good cheer,” said Dewey Clayton, political science professor at the University of Louisville. “I think he's benefiting from the exposure he's gotten, and to be quite frank with you, I would be surprised if he is not offered a cabinet position.”

In his remarks this week, Beshear played up his 2023 reelection in a solidly red state.

No matter who wins the White House in November, Beshear’s name will remain in the mix, Clayton said.   

“I do think he's still primarily focused on the commonwealth, but he's also moving forward, and clearly letting people know … he is a Democratic governor in a deeply red state, but that doesn't mean that he can't get things done.”

Earlier this year, Beshear launched a political action committee to help elect Democrats around the country, another way to become well known and help the political careers of party members who one day could help him.

Last week, Beshear was asked whether he'd be up for a cabinet position if Harris is elected.

"I don't intend to accept any position in Washington, D.C.," Beshear said. “This is where I'm supposed to be ... I'm looking forward to finishing these next three and a half years."

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