Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear uses his new book to argue that Christian faith and the parable of the Good Samaritan can help bridge America’s political divide, while sharply criticising Donald Trump’s approach to power and public life.
In Go and Do Likewise: How We Heal a Broken Country, the Democratic governor says the language of faith has been “co-opted” by some politicians. He presents the biblical story as a direct instruction to show compassion, particularly towards people who are vulnerable or different from oneself.
Beshear, who was raised by Baptist lay ministers, says the parable’s central message is often overlooked. A wounded man is ignored by several passers-by before a Samaritan stops to help him, pays for his care and ensures he reaches safety.
“Now go and do likewise,” Jesus tells the crowd at the end of the story. Beshear writes that the words turn the parable from a moral tale into a command to act with kindness rather than cruelty.
Andy Beshear’s criticism of Donald Trump
The governor contrasts that message with what he describes as Mr Trump’s view of strength, which he says is based on power, toughness and division. Beshear accuses the president of embracing excess while pursuing policies that harm the middle class, poor people and vulnerable Americans.
He refers to the White House ballroom project, luxury goods associated with the president and efforts to use tariffs and cuts to healthcare as examples of what he sees as misplaced priorities. He also criticises opposition to SNAP benefits, saying the programme helps families feed their children.
Beshear argues that “go and do likewise” should mean helping people who need support, regardless of their political party, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. He says it should also mean welcoming immigrants and treating every person with dignity.
The governor writes that America’s greatness should not be measured by political bluster or military displays, but by whether its people care for neighbours with whom they disagree. He describes this as a form of patriotism rooted in patience, inclusion and respect.
Beshear says those principles shaped his time leading Kentucky, where he claims they helped bring together a population divided by people seeking money or votes. He writes that faith also influenced his response to natural disasters, personal loss and a mass shooting that killed a close friend.
The book is intended not only for Christians, he says, but for people of all faiths and those guided by strong personal values. Its message is an appeal to spend less time judging others and more time supporting them.
Beshear concludes the excerpt by saying that the Good Samaritan is not merely a biblical figure. He writes that he met “her” in Whitesburg, Kentucky, without identifying her in the passage.
