‘This isn’t a game’: Democrats respond to Trump’s Congress speech

Seated at a diner in Lexington, Kentucky, Beshear also assailed Trump for “ignoring serious threats to our national security from Russia, who’s not our friend, while alienating our allies.” Democrats have berated Trump for his repeated warm remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin while questioning the value of Nato, the long-time Western alliance.

Watch: Democrats respond to Trump’s speech

Beshear’s words and tone seemed a direct Democratic attempt to recapture the loyalties of working-class voters who helped power Trump’s election upset last November. Beshear, 72, wore no jacket or tie and spoke of his upbringing in a family of Baptist preachers that owned a funeral home.

His very selection by Democratic party chiefs to deliver their response seemed aimed at the same goal. While far from nationally known, Beshear, whose eight years as governor ended in 2015, is best known for expanding health care coverage in his deep red state under former president Barack Obama’s health care law.

Trump used his first address to Congress as president to urge lawmakers to kill Obama’s 2010 overhaul and replace it with tax credits, health savings accounts and other elements of a plan being pushed by House GOP leaders. Conservatives have rebelled against the developing GOP package, though leaders say they will push ahead with legislation in March.

“You and your Republican allies in Congress seem determined to rip affordable health insurance away from millions of Americans who most need it,” Beshear said.