Podcast Summary: Up First from NPR

Episode: Kentucky’s governor on the shutdown and political divisions
Air Date: October 2, 2025
Host: Steve Inskeep (NPR)
Guest: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

Overview

In this special episode of Up First, Steve Inskeep sits down with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to discuss the impact of the federal government shutdown, challenges facing rural Americans, growing party divisions, Beshear’s unique approach to governing a red state as a Democrat, and the future of the Democratic Party—alongside talk of Beshear’s possible future presidential ambitions (2028). The conversation is grounded in current political realities, and features Beshear’s candid reflections both on national topics and Kentucky-specific issues.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Government Shutdown and Its Impact on Kentuckians

Timestamps: 01:23 – 03:53

• Immediate Effects: Many Kentucky families who work for the federal government are furloughed, leading to personal financial strain even if they eventually receive back pay.
  • “Our families that work for the federal government aren’t going to work today.” (01:30, Andy Beshear)
• Health Care Costs: Democrats are pushing to prevent a rise in health care premiums by seeking to extend ACA tax credits, affecting both ACA users and private insurance rates.
  • “Democrats in Washington, D.C. are trying to provide a little bit of relief… all other insurers are likely to raise their rates significantly.” (01:57)
• Presidential Negotiation Tactics: Beshear criticizes the president’s approach as cruel, accusing him of using federal employees as “negotiating tools.”
  • “People aren’t a negotiating tool. They are not a prop.” (02:48, Andy Beshear)

2. Health Care: ACA, Medicaid, and Rural Hospitals

Timestamps: 03:53 – 05:42; 24:22 – 26:20

• Potential Loss: Up to 200,000 Kentuckians could lose coverage under proposed federal cuts; closure of up to 35 rural hospitals is possible, directly affecting communities.
  • “The president’s legislation… is going to close up to 35 rural hospitals.” (04:27)
• Holistic Impact: Loss of hospitals devastates both health access and local economies.
  • “That rural hospital is the largest payroll. It is the number two employer behind the public school…” (24:55)

3. Navigating Party Divisions and Presidential Rhetoric

Timestamps: 05:42 – 07:46

• Concerning Rhetoric: Beshear sharply criticizes the president’s remarks about “the enemy within” and politicization of the military.
  • “One of the reasons that we have such confidence in our military is that it is professional and not political.” (06:17)
• Voter Sentiment: While Kentuckians were hopeful for economic improvement, they did not vote for “cruelty.”
  • “They didn’t vote to make us more cruel.” (07:24)

4. Tariffs, Jobs, and Economic Pressure

Timestamps: 08:45 – 09:05; 12:51 – 14:38

• Negative Effects: Tariffs are raising prices and causing layoffs (e.g., a furniture company with 100 layoffs in Georgetown).
  • “Tariffs are causing layoffs. They are raising prices on the American people.” (08:45)
• Housing Impact: Tariffs on lumber and cabinets increase homebuilding costs, exacerbating affordability issues.
  • “If they cost that much more, the price of the house costs that much more.” (13:53)

5. Beshear’s Thoughts on Running for President

Timestamps: 09:36 – 11:43

• Focus on the Present: Beshear emphasizes his commitment to serving as governor and leading the Democratic Governors Association before considering a presidential run.
  • “Right now, my job is to speak reason into some of the chaos… to be a common sense, common ground, get things done type of voice.” (09:44)
• Healing the Country: Beshear frames his potential candidacy around bringing unity, not personal ambition.
  • “We can’t have this us versus them.” (10:40)
• Appeal of a Red-State Democrat: Showcasing bipartisan success, downscaled political temperature, and achievement-focused governance.
  • “Success isn’t red or blue, Democrat or Republican, left or right. A good job is just good for a family.” (11:50)

6. Reflecting on the COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Timestamps: 16:54 – 18:00

• Tough Decisions: Beshear stands by strict pandemic policies made with the information at hand, prioritizing lives saved over popularity.
  • “If I could save 10 more lives … I was okay if it meant I would never win reelection.” (17:12)
  • “Every decision I made was based on trying to save as many lives as I could.” (16:54)

7. Democrats’ Struggles and Roadmap in Rural Areas

Timestamps: 18:00 – 20:55

• Loss of Focus: Republicans have effectively “demonized” Democrats in rural communities, but Beshear sees opportunity if Democrats prioritize daily concerns.
  • “Democrats need to be the common sense, common ground, get results type of party, one that spends 80% of its time on concerns that impact 100% of the American population.” (18:09)
• Explaining Convictions: Advocates standing for core beliefs with clear explanations, even when unpopular.
  • “Explaining the why shows people respect, whether they always vote for me or never vote for me.” (20:55)

8. Addressing Polarizing Social Issues

Timestamps: 21:03 – 22:07

• Balanced Approach: Acknowledges vetoing anti-LGBTQ legislation and connecting this decision to his faith, while emphasizing everyday issues.
  • “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God. And I didn’t want these kids being picked on.” (19:44)

9. Can Democrats Win Back Rural America?

Timestamps: 22:07 – 23:49

• Investing in All Communities: Beshear believes the Democratic Party must invest nationwide and avoid writing off any voters or states.
  • “Democrats can win even in tough places.” (22:48)
• Potential for Gains: References emerging candidates and distaste for extremism as openings for Democrats.

10. The ‘Us vs. Them’ Divide & Building Dialogue

Timestamps: 23:51 – 26:42

• Engaging Everyone: Beshear argues for outreach even to those with strongly opposing views, sharing an anecdote about reconciliation during the pandemic.
  • “We have to talk to everyone. If we want a better America… we have to be talking to everyone.” (26:42)
• Faith in Betterment: Stresses not losing faith in the possibility for personal and national growth and healing.

11. Gun Violence and Political Violence

Timestamps: 27:58 – 30:00

• Personal Impact: Beshear lost a close friend in a mass shooting; he calls for leaders to condemn all violence unequivocally and supports policies like red flag laws.
  • “One is leadership that unites people and one is politicizing even murder to further divide people.” (28:37)
  • “Certainly in my state, we don’t even have a red flag law… And the idea is if the police know that someone’s about to commit murder, they can go to the court and stop it.” (29:16)

12. Obstacle for Democrats in Kentucky

Timestamps: 30:00 – 31:13

• Money and Messaging: Decades of Republican investment have left Democrats behind, but Beshear voices hope for a renewed focus and investment.
  • “There have been decades of national Republican dollars coming into Kentucky, demonizing the Democratic Party, and we haven’t seen the same investment.” (30:18)

13. The Vision for the Democratic Party

Timestamps: 31:13 – 33:05

• Restoring the American Dream: Beshear advocates for practical improvements — affordable health care, safe neighborhoods, job security, and restoring optimism in America’s future.
  • “We ought to be talking about how to create a better life for Americans, how to make people’s lives just a little bit better.” (31:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On responding to the shutdown:
  “People aren’t a negotiating tool. They are not a prop and that’s how he’s treating these families.” — Andy Beshear (02:48)
• On leading by example:
  “To lead with the right example, which I think is humanity as opposed to the president’s cruelty.” — Andy Beshear (00:07, 24:22)
• On rural investment:
  “Democrats can win even in tough places.” — Andy Beshear (22:48)
• On standing by pandemic decisions:
  “Every decision I made was based on trying to save as many lives as I could. I knew the decisions would be unpopular.” — Andy Beshear (16:54)
• On division vs. unity:
  “We can’t have this us versus them... If I think I’m a candidate that can do that, I’ll have a long conversation with my family. But if it’s somebody else, I can support them.” — Andy Beshear (10:40)
• On engaging with all voters:
  “We have to talk to everyone. If we want a better America… we have to be talking to everyone.” — Andy Beshear (26:42)
• On outrage over anti-LGBTQ legislation:
  “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God. And I didn’t want these kids being picked on.” — Andy Beshear (19:44)
• On losing a close friend to gun violence:
  “When you lose somebody like that, sometimes it feels like it’s 10 years ago and sometimes it feels like it’s 10 minutes ago.” — Andy Beshear (29:06)

Key Timestamps for Essential Segments

• 01:23 – Impact of government shutdown on Kentucky families
• 03:53 – ACA/Medicaid cuts and rural hospital threat
• 06:10 – Presidential rhetoric and worries about politicizing the military
• 09:36 – Will Beshear run for president in 2028?
• 12:51 – Jobs, tariffs, and home affordability crisis
• 16:54 – Reflecting on responses to the COVID pandemic
• 18:09 – Practical focus for Democratic Party in rural America
• 19:44 – Vetoing anti-LGBTQ legislation because of faith
• 24:22 – Democrats’ need to reach out and serve all Americans
• 26:42 – “We have to talk to everyone” — changing minds and hearts
• 28:23 – Gun violence, leadership, and personal loss
• 31:41 – The need to restore hope in the American Dream

Tone and Takeaway

Governor Beshear’s language throughout the conversation is direct, empathetic, and pragmatic. He returns repeatedly to themes of unity, practical governance, and the need for elected officials to focus on everyday American concerns. Though he is clear-eyed about political divisions and policy disputes, his message remains optimistic about the prospects for a more united, results-focused country.

This episode offers insights for listeners interested in the future of the Democratic Party, the intricacies of red-state leadership, and the path forward for addressing rural and working-class concerns. It’s an inside look at a Democratic governor’s philosophy on leadership, bipartisan dialogue, and the pressing issues facing Americans in a divided era.