Transcript: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear discussed a recent CBS News poll showing a Democratic preference for socialism over capitalism, attributing the sentiment to widespread economic hardship. "People are struggling," Beshear stated, pointing to the high costs of groceries and gas, and the difficulty in accessing affordable healthcare.

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What I make of it is that people are struggling. They're struggling because the cost of groceries is too high. The cost of gas is too high. It's too hard to see a doctor, and when you do, the cost of that is too high as well.

Beshear acknowledged that while he believes socialism is a "failed experiment," he emphasized the need for tangible results for the American people. He highlighted his administration's focus on delivering such results, citing the creation of more jobs than any previous governor in Kentucky's history, with the average wage for new jobs exceeding $32 an hour. The state is also developing affordable housing, including projects on former coal mine sites topped with solar panels.

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Now, I believe socialism is a failed experiment, but I do believe that we need to get results for the American people, and I think when you look at Democratic governors, you see those results.

Responding to poll findings that Democrats desire significant change and want the party to fight for them, Beshear outlined two key areas for bold action: the economy and government reform. On the economic front, he called for aspirational investment in housing to lower the cost of homeownership, urging federal dollars to be tied to rapid development and reduced regulation.

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On the economy, it is time for an aspirational investment in housing that can bring down the cost of- of especially first-time home ownership.

Regarding government reform, Beshear advocated for a constitutional amendment to outlaw partisan redistricting and enshrine parts of the Voting Rights Act. He also proposed establishing term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court, framing these as essential steps to address public perception of a broken government.

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So, fix the darn government. Constitutional amendment. It is time. It should outlaw partisan redistricting and enshrine part of the Voting Rights Act right there in the constitution. It should create term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court.