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Kentucky Governor Beshear Calls to Abolish Electoral College, Criticizes McConnell

General7 sourcesAug 17, 2026
ContestedRigor 547 sources

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called for the abolition of the Electoral College, stating it would be part of a "Fix The Darn Government Constitutional Amendment." Beshear made the remarks during his Sunday appearance on CBS News’s "Face the Nation." Commenters on social media criticized Beshear, calling him a radical Democrat and accusing him of dropping his moderate mask. Beshear also stated he has heard absolutely nothing back from Senator Mitch McConnell after requesting updates on his health. Beshear made formal requests for updates last month amid McConnell's weeks-long hospitalization. McConnell, 84, was hospitalized on June 14 following a fall. He later disclosed he developed a case of mild pneumonia. McConnell was discharged from a rehabilitation center to continue his recovery at home after nearly two months. He stated his doctors confirmed he did not break any bones, suffer a concussion, have a heart attack, stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages, but was briefly unconscious. Beshear expressed hope for McConnell's recovery but stressed that McConnell's boss is the people of Kentucky. He urged McConnell to call into this show for two minutes, or Fox News for two minutes, or do a video for two minutes to the people he’s supposed to serve. Beshear accused McConnell of absolutely refus[ing] to do it. He also criticized Republican Senate leadership, stating they don't think that they have a boss when the people of Kentucky are their boss. Beshear specifically called out John Thune, stating, as the leader of the senate you’ve got a duty to make sure all of your senators have the capacity to serve, and what is he saying? ‘Not my job’.

What they agree on

  • Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated he has received "absolutely nothing back" from Senator Mitch McConnell regarding his health.
  • Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, was hospitalized on June 14 after a fall and later developed mild pneumonia.
  • Beshear urged McConnell to provide a public update or video to assure Kentuckians of his ability to serve.
  • Governor Beshear also expressed support for abolishing the Electoral College.
  • McConnell was discharged from a rehabilitation center to continue his recovery at home after nearly two months.

Where they split

  • Twitchy and Breitbart News lead with Governor Beshear's call to abolish the Electoral College, framing it as evidence against his "moderate" image.
  • The Hill, The Independent, and CBS News focus on Beshear's criticism of Senator McConnell for not providing health updates.
  • The Daily Beast emphasizes Beshear's accusation that McConnell "absolutely refuses" to film a video or appear publicly.
  • Mediaite highlights the CBS anchor's surprise at Beshear's stance on abolishing the Electoral College.