Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell is set to join Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for a discussion of Beshear’s new book, Go And Do Likewise: How We Heal A Broken Country, at Vanderbilt University next weekend.
Parnassus Books, Vanderbilt University Libraries, and Dialogue Vanderbilt will host the event Saturday, October 3, at 1:00 p.m. at Benton Chapel on Vanderbilt’s campus. Doors are scheduled to open at noon. The event is sold out, according to Eventbrite.
Beshear, a Democrat serving his second term as Kentucky governor, will be interviewed by O’Connell. Beshear is also a Vanderbilt graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and anthropology from the university.
Go And Do Likewise was released September 22. The book, as described by Eventbrite, is “organized around the teachings of Jesus–stories of healing, of justice, of forgiveness, of welcome, of moral clarity” and “transcends politics to remind Americans of the values grounded in service and acceptance.”
The book takes its title from the biblical story of the Good Samaritan.
Beshear’s Nashville appearance comes as the Democrat faces increased attention over speculation that he could seek the White House in 2028.
The Hill reported this week that Beshear said he did not write Go And Do Likewise as part of plans for a future presidential campaign, however, Beshear has nevertheless acknowledged that he is open to discussions about a potential 2028 bid.
In May, Beshear said he was “comfortable” being discussed as a potential Democratic presidential contender, while indicating he would not make a final decision until after his tenure as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association.
Beshear also recently appeared with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, another Democrat discussed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, as part of his national book tour. During that event, Beshear said he was no longer certain his 2023 reelection campaign would be his final race.
Betting markets have also listed Beshear among potential 2028 candidates. As of September 25, Polymarket listed a roughly 1 percent market-implied chance of Beshear winning the 2028 presidential election, while Kalshi listed him at 2.8 percent.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Freddie O’Connell” by Freddie O’Connell.
