In a recent post I wrote about Democrats stepping up to the plate to lead in perilous times, several commenters mentioned Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, as a possible Democratic leader in the near future.
Here is a recent article from USA Today:
More than three weeks after Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized for reasons that have not been disclosed, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is calling for answers.
In a letter sent July 8 to the senator's office, the Democratic governor requested the longtime Senate leader "fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health," arguing that constituents in the Bluegrass State have grown "increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and wellbeing, and ability to hold office in the United States Senate."
"As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent," Beshear wrote in the brief letter. "I believe this requires clear communication about one's ability to serve."
"We wish you a safe and speedy recovery," the five-sentence letter concludes. It was dated July 8 and addressed to McConnell's office in Washington, DC.
Now that is an example of true… leadership spinelessness.
Governor Beshear summoned all his courage and leaning on his years of political experience, pulled a “Schumer”. He sent a not-even-strongly-worded-letter to an opponent that will have no impact and get no response, but which he thinks will make him look like the grown-up in the room.
He sent this to a guy who literally stole a Supreme Court seat by not holding hearings on Obama nominee Merrick Garland for a year.
But it’s okay everybody, because Gov. Beshear “requested” that McConnell do something. That should scare the bejeebus out of McConnell and his staff and I’m sure they’ll hop right on it.
When I first learned of the possibility that McConnell’s team might try to run out the clock on a special election (which must be called by Aug. 3) if McConnell is indeed communing with Beelzebub in front of a cozy yet roaring fireplace, I had an immediate thought.
It’s the same one Mueller She Wrote posted yesterday:
What a novel approach. Actually do something proactive that forces your opponent to respond.
Yep. Beshear needs to provisionally appoint a new Senator and/or provisionally set up a new election date to replace McConnell. Force their hand. MAKE THEM PLAY DEFENSE!
There is literally no downside to doing this other than Republicans calling foul. Which they will do anyway on any action Beshear or Democrats take in this case. On the flip side, it forces a response from McConnell and Republicans (likely a legal response) and serves as a placeholder if it turns out Republicans were ratfcking and McConnell actually does move in with Lucifer before August 3.
Frankly, it’s a no-brainer.
This is why I’m not currently onboard the Beshear train. People in this country are desperate, fed up and demanding action. They want concrete steps to improve their lives and to stop the BS ”games” that insiders play in DC to maintain power while ignoring the plight of most citizens.
Sending a not-even-strongly-worded-letter that will literally accomplish nothing accomplishes, well, NOTHING! It’s the institutionalist Schumer playbook of semi-strong words that don’t rise to the moment and change nothing
As Mueller She Wrote said to Governor Beshear, “BE BOLD”. Do something. Show both the people you represent and Democrats nationally that you understand the gravity of the existential political threat to our country and are willing to take strong, meaningful, aggressive, and yet still lawful action to create change and get results. And NEVER ask for permission or forgiveness.
So, no - Governor Beshear is going to have to do more than just Sitting on the Dock of the Bay doing nothing to get my support.
Otis Redding - Sitting on the Dock of the Bay
