Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a high-profile Republican, delivered a primetime address during the Democratic National Convention calling for fellow Republicans and independents to support presumed presidential nominee Joe Biden.
In a pre-recorded message, Kasich says he's still proud of his Republican heritage and those principles. However, the 2000 and 2016 Republican presidential candidate says President Donald Trump has created division and dysfunction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_jmm2NLLeQ
"What I have witnessed these past four years belies those principles," Kasich said. "Many of us can't imagine four more years going down this path. And that's why I'm asking you to join with me to choose a better way forward."
He noted that there are issues that he and Biden do not agree on, but says "that's OK, cause that's America."
The former governor appeared during a segment of the DNC called "We The People Putting Country Over Party," where other prominent Republicans called for voters to support Biden.
"I'm sure there are Republicans and independents who couldn't imagine crossing over to support a Democrat," Kasich said. "They fear Joe may turn sharp left, and leave them behind. I don't believe that. Because I know the measure of the man, he's reasonable, faithful, respectful."
But U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) says conservatives should continue to align with Trump, who Gibbs argues has a proven track record of economic success.
"I would just not pay attention to the noise out there from John Kasich and others. And just think of where we were with this pandemic and where we're headed," Gibbs said.
In a fundraising email, Ohio Republican Party chair Jane Timken said Kasich has "turned his back on us." Timken also said the Democratic presidential ticket of Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) is progressive and caters to "socialist agendas."
Kasich has been a vocal critic of Trump ever since running against him for the Republican nomination in 2016.
Other Republicans spoke during the virtual DNC including former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, former U.S. Rep. Susan Molinari (R-NY), and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman, who lost a California gubernatorial race in 2010.
