Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) is releasing a book titled "Go and Do Likewise: How We Heal a Broken Country" through St. Martin's Press. In the work, the governor argues that the language of faith, which he asserts has been co-opted by some politicians, can be used to bridge partisan divides in the United States.
Beshear, the grandson and great-grandson of Baptist lay ministers, draws on the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan to advocate for kindness in public policy and personal conduct. He presents the story as an instruction to treat others with dignity, regardless of differences in party, race, or background.
The book contains criticisms of Donald Trump, whom Beshear compares to a "modern-day Pharisee." Beshear characterizes Trump's approach as vengeful and focused on power, citing specific policy actions such as proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Beshear claims these actions run contrary to the lessons of the Good Samaritan.
Beshear also details how his faith has shaped his tenure as Kentucky's governor. He writes about using these values to console citizens after natural disasters, manage the aftermath of a mass shooting that killed a close friend, and oppose the policies of a previous governor he describes as divisive. He argues that principles of inclusive love and respect are neither liberal nor conservative.
Beshear’s argument focuses on the experience of receiving government aid or interacting with neighbors of different political affiliations. He posits that a shift toward the "Good Samaritan" model would result in less judgment and more support within communities. The text suggests that voters and citizens would notice a change in how the federal government wields its power—moving away from what he describes as punitive measures toward vulnerable groups—though the specific timing of such a shift depends on future policy changes and elections.
The book serves as a template for Beshear’s approach to governance, which he believes can be scaled from Kentucky to the national level. By addressing "Make America Kind Again," Beshear is attempting to set a precedent for a style of political communication that avoids pitting groups against each other for votes. The book becomes available in various formats on Sept. 22.