In his speech at Monday’s Democratic National Convention, former Ohio Gov. John Kasich formally endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden. The Republican made a huge deal about Biden showing decency that President Trump does not. Kasich also suggested that Biden is not the type of person who would succumb to pressure from the far left if elected president. As Kasich said in his speech, Biden is “a man of faith, a unifier, someone who understands the hopes and dreams of the ordinary man and woman.”
“He is a man who can help us see the humanity in ourselves,” he added further.
Kasich acknowledged that there are areas where he and Biden “totally disagree,” but they respect each other. He predicted that Biden would lead with moderation.
“I’m sure there are Republicans and independents who couldn’t imagine crossing over to support a Democrat,” Kasich admitted. “They’re afraid Joe might make a sharp left turn and leave them behind. I don’t believe it because I know the measure of this man. He is reasonable, faithful, respectful. And you know what, no one pushes Joe.”
And yet, hours later, as the media reflected on the first night of the convention, Kasich appeared to relent and concede that Biden might not be able to stand up to the progressive wing of his party after all.
I really enjoyed the transfers back and forth @JohnKasich ON @cnn tonight. Pressed on whether Biden can really stand up to the radical leftist voices in the Dem Party, Kasich finally conceded: “We’ll have to see.” That’s why many GOP voters, even if they’re nervous about Trump, won’t roll the dice. pic.twitter.com/gRpiosmIJO
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) August 18, 2020
However, Kasich “guaranteed” that Biden will have Republicans at the table when he becomes president and that he will “hear different opinions.” “He is not a leftist,” the governor said. “That’s just not who he is.
However, Jennings also noted that the DNC schedule is quite telling in itself.
Watching John Kasich say Biden won’t take a “hard left” while underneath him is a chyron from “NEXT: BERNIE SANDERS” is… something. #DemocraticConvention
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) August 18, 2020
