Beshear: Biden will decide if he continues in race, but should speak about his health

Days after the first presidential debate, Gov. Andy Beshear said in an interview with CNN's Pamela Brown the decision of President Joe Biden to step down from running is up to him, but he should address his health and debate performance.

The interview comes shortly after Beshear was part of a Monday call that included other Democratic governors and after some national news organizations listed him as a potential ballot replacement for Biden.

"Joe Biden is our nominee and ultimately that decision on continuing or not, will fall to him and his family, but I don't think that there's anything wrong with asking the president to talk to the American people a little bit more about his health or that debate performance," Beshear said in the Monday interview.

The New York Times and The Washington Post named several people who could potentially replace Biden on the ballot, following the president's Thursday debate performance. Along with Beshear, other names mentioned were Michelle Obama, Pete Buttigieg, Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Monday, Beshear said it was "flattering," regarding the attention he's received, but he supports Biden as long as he's running, USA TODAY reported.

"The debate performance was rough. It was a very bad night for the president. But he is still the candidate," Beshear told reporters. "Only he can make decisions about his future candidacy. So as long as he continues to be in the race, I support him."

Biden is expected to meet Wednesday with Democratic governors; some will join virtually and others in person.

More: President Biden blames overseas travel for disastrous debate: 'I nearly fell asleep on stage'

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: This is what Beshear said regarding Biden's candidacy, debate performance