Trending Now - Democrats Intensify Attacks on Vance Ahead of 2028 Elections
WHO:
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
Vice President JD Vance
Taylor Van Kirk, Vance's press secretary
Lis Smith, Democratic strategist
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
California Governor Gavin Newsom
David Axelrod, former adviser to President Barack Obama
Theresa Vacheresse, retired physician and business owner
Mark Kaplan, Butler County resident
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
Vice President JD Vance
Taylor Van Kirk, Vance's press secretary
Lis Smith, Democratic strategist
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
California Governor Gavin Newsom
David Axelrod, former adviser to President Barack Obama
Mark Kaplan, Butler County resident
WHAT:
Beshear stated, “Ohio deserved a much better senator than (JD Vance), and we all deserve a much better vice president.”
The audience at the Democratic fundraiser booed at the mention of Vance's name.
Beshear won Breathitt County by 22 points in the previous election, while Trump won it by 59 points.
Beshear criticized Vance during remarks at a Democratic fundraiser.
Beshear stated that Vance “ain’t from Appalachia” and accused him of “poverty tourism.”
Beshear referred to Vance's book “Hillbilly Elegy” as “hillbilly hate” and “trafficked in tired stereotypes.”
The audience booed at the mention of Vance's name during the event.
Beshear won Breathitt County by 22 points in the previous election, while Trump won it by 59 points.
WHERE:
Middletown, Ohio
Butler County, Ohio
Breathitt County, Kentucky
WHEN:
The event took place on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.
Vance's book “Hillbilly Elegy” was published in 2016.
Vance was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022.
WHY:
Democrats are increasingly focusing on Vance as a potential future nominee, especially as they look past Trump.
Beshear's criticisms are part of his strategy to position himself as a potential presidential candidate for 2028.
Democrats are focusing on Vance as a potential future nominee, especially as they look past Trump.
HOW:
Beshear has been elevating his profile by launching a podcast and making more frequent cable news appearances.
Beshear delivered his remarks at a spring gala hosted by the Butler County Democratic Party.
Vance's spokesperson dismissed Beshear's comments as attempts for publicity.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 23:19 UTC)
At a Democratic fundraiser, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized Vice President JD Vance, stating that Ohio deserves a much better senator and vice president, which drew boos from the audience at the mention of Vance's name. Beshear, who previously won Breathitt County by 22 points while Trump won it by 59 points, is gaining attention as Democrats increasingly focus on Vance as a potential future nominee. To elevate his profile, Beshear has been launching a podcast and making more frequent appearances on cable news.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 21:18 UTC)
At a Democratic fundraiser in Middletown, Ohio, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized Vice President JD Vance, claiming he “ain’t from Appalachia” and accusing him of “poverty tourism.” Beshear's remarks, which included calling Vance's book “Hillbilly Elegy” “hillbilly hate,” drew boos from the audience, reflecting the tension surrounding Vance's political standing. This event, held on Saturday, March 21, is part of Beshear's strategy to position himself as a potential presidential candidate for 2028, as Democrats increasingly focus on Vance in the wake of Trump's influence.