Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear: Biden's withdrawal is 'in the best interest of our country'

Kentucky Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear commended President Joe Biden's historic withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race Sunday. He said in a news release that while the decision cannot have been an easy one for the longtime Democrat to make, "It is in the best interest of our country, and our party."

Rumors about Biden's withdrawal have been floating around since his heavily criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Biden officially ended his reelection campaign Sunday afternoon.

Beshear, who has been able to win an otherwise staunchly red state in two successful gubernatorial bids, is reportedly on the short list of potential vice president nominees, The Courier-Journal reported.

He said in a statement, "President Biden will be remembered as a consequential president. Along with Vice President (Kamala) Harris, he led us through the aftermath of the January 6th attack on our Capitol and steadily steered us out of a global pandemic."

Beshear also commended Biden's support for the historic $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, federal aid for Kentucky communities that fell victim to devastating tornadoes and flooding, and support for other infrastructure improvements throughout the state.

"Now it is time for our nation to come together," he said in a statement. "We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise. We have an opportunity to remember that we are taught to treat our neighbor as yourself—and that we are all each other’s neighbor."

Beshear has not publicly said he is interested in higher office.

In addition to Beshear, USA TODAY reported other prominent Democrats that are eyed for the vice presidential nomination include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Gov. Andy Beshear commends Biden's withdrawal from presidential race