According to the Associated Press, former Ohio Governor John Kasich will be speaking at the Democratic National Convention in August in support of Joe Biden, to attract conservatives who have become disillusioned with Donald Trump. Kasich has consistently opposed Trump and is purportedly one of several top Republicans who intends to lend support to help the Biden campaign in the fall. Another reason for the move is the substantial popularity Kasich maintains with conservative voters in a battleground state.
(Democratic presumptive nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, speaking during a campaign event, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Wilmington, DE. Photo by Patrick Semansky, via Associated Press.)
Trump and Kasich initially battled it out in 2016 when both men were vying for the Republican presidential nomination. Kasich has always been seen as the more "moderate" candidate who provided a sense of reason compared to Trump's crazy approach. Kasich, a sitting governor at the time, finished third in the race and even gained the respect of some left-leaning voters for his willingness to listen and compromise, but won only his home state's primary as Trump secured the Republican nomination.
After suspending his campaign, Kasich refused to support Trump, calling him "divisive" and even refusing to attend the GOP convention in Cleveland. This latest move to support Biden seems consistent in his messaging for the last four years and therefore pretty authentic. The problem is that the values Kasich has espoused such as enacting 21 restrictions on abortion in the state of Ohio while he was governor, don’t match those of the Democratic Party and it’s ever increasing progressive agenda.
This “Never Trump” movement of disaffected Republicans trying to tap into a Democratic donor base is not novel — the Lincoln Project, a group of Republican political operatives led by Steve Schmidt, Rick Wilson, John Weaver and George Conway, pulled in $16.8 million from April through June of this year, with 45 percent coming from small donors giving $200 or less. George Conway is married to Kellyanne Conway, who currently works for the Trump administration.
(Republican Presidential Candidate and Ohio Governor John Kasich speaks at a campaign rally on March 23, 2016 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images.)
There is also nothing stopping Kasich from campaigning with Biden or endorsing him in ads, but to give a conservative the stage at the Democratic Convention which serves to set the policy and agenda for the party moving forward seems a little off. It also runs the risk of alienating a more progressive faction that ran a very close race with Biden in every primary and is winning more and more elections at the state levels.
While the Trump campaign seems intent on focusing all of its attention on Trump’s core base, and not worrying as much with expanding his support, Biden has taken an opposite tack by including prominent Republicans who are openly questioning Trump’s record and message. But do we really need other conservative politicians to remind voters what is at stake here? It’s hard to imagine that any American does not fully understand the risks at this point.
What do you think about the decision to give Republican John Kasich a platform at the Democratic Convention? Do you think it is a sound strategy and will help Biden to win the election or does it just make Democrats look desperate? Is it essential teamwork or a moderate sellout? Do the Democrats need John Kasich at their convention? Should Democrats take all the help they can get, regardless of the source? Can these Republican politicians and operatives be trusted in the long run?
I am pleased. Kasich is a conservative, no doubt. He has never stated otherwise. I don't trust him- or any conservative - to share all of my values.
I don't trust far left/" progressives" either.
In 2016 the far left 1) didn't vote 2) voted 3rd party, 3) voted Trump.
Now the world is on fire.
I'll welcome folks like Kasich,even at the Convention. Nothing a moderate conservative may try to do can be worse than what these new "progressives " actually did in 2016.
Trump is dangerous. Never Trump conservatives are willing to join us to fight his reelection. I say welcome.
A little bit about me for context: I was a life-long Republican, fiscally conservative and socially more liberal, but I voted for Obama in 2008 because Palin scared the crap out of me and I was pissed she was McCain’s choice. After the VP debates in 2008 I called my BFF (lifelong Dem) and told her I just donated $200 to Obama. Cue excited squeals. She knew that was a major shift for me.
Given that, I don’t think Kasich hurts us (despite his abysmal record on abortion rights) because he’s not running. Biden and his VP choice are on the ticket and if more conservatives want to switch teams, even for one election cycle, I say welcome to the Resistance!
All of my southern cousins voted for Trump and likely will again just because they are Reflex-Republicans and simply won’t vote for a Democrat. But I know many other Rs who are on the fence and if Kasich can sway those votes, it’s good for us.
I don't have an issue with it. Look, the goal here is to get Trump out of the White House and to (hopefully) retake the Senate as well. Whatever makes that goal more achievable is a good thing. Is Kasich a social conservative? Absolutely, but I suspect that he will stay away from abortion and any related subjects because he too wants Trump to lose.
It’s a smart move to show Dems are STILL willing to work across the aisle despite being fucked by Republican Nazis (Mitch) during Obama’s tenure. Americans want politics and politicians to be civil again after all we’ve been through.
Are Democrats "desperate"? Shouldn't the entire nation be desperate at this point with Trump's goons on the streets throwing protesters into unmarked vans? We need to save our country from the wannabe dictator before its too late. We shouldn't be too pure to take help from all quarters. The Lincoln Project and their ilk will have an agenda which won't be the same as progressive democrats and they need to take some blame for sowing the seeds that let Trump bloom in the GOP but this country has got to stop being so completely polarized. The immediate evil is Trump and all those who enable him. We allied ourselves to Stalin in order to defeat Hitler. Let's make alliances with patriotic Americans.
All hands on deck: that's my position. We don't have time to pursue purity politics right now. We need every vote ... even the conservative ones. Kasich can bring big chunks of Ohio with him, which may seal the election for Biden. This is how alliances work. They aren't permanent, nor do they require agreement on every single point. They are alliances agreed upon by two or more parties to achieve an end result. In this case, the end result is the defeat of Trump. Let's do this!
We're always saying "Vote Blue No Matter Who" well I'll take anyhelp given. Like two teams trading an athelete, at some point most start playing to help you win and fans get on board.
I understand the politics here - they are going for the most reliable demographic, older white voters. Kasich can convince voters who would either stay home or undervote the top of the ticket that they can vote for Biden as a principled conservative.
It makes sense and is probably a winning strategy. The DNC won’t cater to younger progressives until they show that they’ll actually come out and vote. All of the “well stay home unless our candidate wins” is just solidifying this belief.
We do not need a man who hates every Democratic value making a speech at our convention. Kasich has always been a hateful opponent, anti-woman, anti-abortion, anti-choice. I will not watch his speech. None of the people he appeals to will vote for any Democrat, mostly because of abortion. Joe has this dream of bipartisanship - a pipe dream. Republicans are the party of hate, racism, and misogyny and we don’t need a republican telling us anything.
As governor of Ohio John Kasich passed abortion restrictions and stripped $1.3M of funding from Planned Parenthood unrelated to abortion, as he supports defunding PP entirely above and beyond abortion services. He sign a law prohibiting state-funded rape crisis counselors from referring women to abortion services. While he was governor the number of abortion providers in Ohio was halved. This man is a right winger who believes stridently that women do not have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. He also said LGBT+ people refused service by businesses should “get over it.” Kasich being a Never Trumper is irrelevant; the enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend.
I'm not a fan of Kasich, but I know many conservatives that are turned off from Biden. They certainly don't like Trump, but they cringe at the thought of Biden running the country. Perhaps this is a good idea on the D's part. Shows more of a centrist unification? I'm no expert, but our party is open to everyone, isn't it? Progressives, centrists, etc? I'm hoping the stage will be open to many voices showing Biden support.
This is what I think. Biden represents the old white wing of the Democratic party who can best be described as "I want to help the less fortunate as long as it does not topple me and my kind from the top of the heap." In other words, it is still the iron fist of white supremacy, just in a velvet glove.
The end to white supremacy is coming thru the weight of demographic shift. The young people in the party long ago made peace with that (I am 57 and the older Democrats have been shushing my political voice with a softly-softly approach since I was a child), and have been trying to get our elders to see the future and work for it in a wise and orderly fashion. Instead, they keep stalling, saying the time is not ripe, reaching across the isle, etc.
I will vote for Biden, but it is a Hans Brinker vote. Biden is literally just a thumb in the dyke. The water is coming and it we do not finally face the evil of White Supremacy straight on and consign it to the ranks of history, the dyke WILL burst and we will all drown. Other than a few bright spots, the Dems show no signs of being able to do that. Like the 'nice' plantation owners that did not mistreat their slaves, they have no intentions of letting go of the reality that has put them at the top of the heap. In this, they are the natural allies of today's Republicans and will fail us in the end.
John Kasich would take away from Team Trump the false claim (per current attack ads) that Biden is an Ultra-left wing liberal and a tool of OAC and her group. YES! @JohnKasich
The Republican Party is no more. It is solely the Trump party. Kasich, the Lincoln Project, etc. are conservatives and know just what a danger to America that Trump truly is. Once he is out of office they will return to doing everything in their power to oppose Democrats but for now I welcome their help.
If Kasich has evolved on Women's Rights, it would be more appropriate to have him at the DNC. I understand, and appreciate, the strategy of unifying ALL against trump. Believe me. However, I think his stance on women's rights requires that he endorse Biden from his own stage. Women's rights are human rights and are hanging by a thread right now.
My first reaction is, "How can we align with a man who introduced 21 restrictive abortion bills in his state?" Ensuring abortion rights is something we trust to Democrats. No Democratic governors are trying to limit access to this safe, legal medical procedure. It's such a great divide, and few are more divisive than Kasich when it comes to a woman's right to choose. On the other hand, if abortion is the sticky issue with Republicans in voting for Biden, Kasich supporting Biden might get them over that last hurdle in voting for a "damn Democrat."
We have literally been begging conservatives to put our country over their party for 4 years.
We cannot add a condition that they must also embrace our platform. We have to unite to beat the biggest threat this country has ever faced so we can be alive to fight about ideology next year.
We have to reach squishy republicans to win the senate, and if Kasich can represent to them that voting for Joe and democrats is safe, we should have him on.
The resistance outcry about it makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t want us to end up soundIng like GOP because I guess I will resist that too.
I don't think looking "desperate" is a meaningful concern. But, I think disaffecting the active, energized and younger left of the party is a real risk.
Might be OK if he were to speak STRICTLY to Trump failings and Republicans enabling him?
But if he wanders into Third Way/DLC "meet in the middle" material, I think he could do more harm than good.
I'm no fan of Kasich. Living near & working in Ohio, I'm certainly familiar enough with him to make that assessment. However, if Biden feels that his path to victory is building a coalition that suggests some semblance of unity, why not?
Biden is no progressive. But he can build bridges that more liberal Democrats may be unable to, so why not let him do so? Rather than rip the band-aid over the wounds left by Trump's presidency clean off, maybe it needs a more gentle coaxing?
I don't expect much forward momentum from a Biden presidency, even if he wouldn't have been forced to dig us out of the many holes left by the Trump administration. What I most hope comes from it is a chance for the country to experience a period of healing & reflection & that we come to the understanding that it's not our destiny as a nation to go backward, thus opening the door to more progressive & impactful leadership.
Yeah, I'm probably kidding myself, but I'd like to see America led by someone of Elizabeth Warren's caliber within the next decade.
#UnitedNotDivided is Biden's message. It won't change the platform of the DNC and Biden which is the most progressive in history, and gives those right leaning independents a reason to vote for Joe.
I think it's a good move. It shows inclusion towards the disaffected Republican voter. Personally, I believe this election is a referendum on DJT not normal political disagreement.
I'm not sure how much it matters if he speaks, as long as he isn't a centerpiece, and he's well out of the platform decisions. My overall concern is that we not be super grateful to the Lincoln Project & other GOP semi-sane conservatives if they help us save the country. I'm happy to use them. They would use us. We just need to remember who *WE* are and cut ties when/if we win. Meaning, it is absolutely unacceptable for them to have a voice in our party after Nov. 3. I worry about traditional liberal guilt/decency manifestations pushing anyone in the direction of, "the country needs to heal, so let's not bring trump criminals to justice," or even just "let's give these conservatives a home." They can have a home if they can adopt our values. Otherwise, they can go rebuild their own party or found another. Some of them really may have changed their minds on various traditional conservative issues in the wake of trump. People in the mold of Nicolle Wallace. But honestly, not the George Conways, or even Joe Scarboroughs or John Kasichs or Justin Amashes of the world.. And I don't think it's accidental that the people that I think may have come around to more of our views are *women*. I don't trust the white guys, or rather, they'd have to climb one hell of a hill for me to give them a chance.
Hi Amee, thanks for this blog. I totally agree that the former Ohio Governor will attract a certain pool of voters disenfranchised with Trump and his administration. I do not agree with John Kasich’s viewpoint of outlawing or severely restricting abortion, but we need to be respectful with people and their own opinions if it will ultimately be better for the country to include more socially conservative voters in order to win November’s elections on several fronts. Agreeing to disagree with this line item debate is how we need to proceed in my opinion.
The Trump Administration has taken multiple stabs at the very thing individuals who may have pro-life philosophies may need for having a baby-Parents need health insurance for themselves and their soon to be family. We have a very weakened ACA (Obama’s hallmark national medical insurance program) which acknowledges that abortion is a necessary procedure)that has helped those parents with pro-life as well as pro-choice stances . Without this safety net, unprepared parents to be will be in dire financial circumstances.
In my opinion, if we rely on laws to outlaw abortion we will endanger the mother’s collective health. Possibly permanently. Illegal abortions will injure or kill young people who had not made well constructed decisions and then are forced to go through the burden as under insured parents or risk their lives to unlicensed illegal abortion clinics. Laws that restrict abortion do not stop young people from having abortions no matter how argumentative the Evangelicals want to quibble.
I categorically disagree with John Kasich’s opinion of leading the charge in Ohio to severely restrict safe abortions. But we cannot disavow him and his beliefs on one sticking point. If he brings into the fold conservationists, pro life Democrats, union, manufacturing as well as rural communities in the Rust Belt, upper Midwest, Southwest, and Bible Belt, we are going to need all the help we can get to dismantle 45’s thuggish, treasonous apparatus come November. That’s my view. Better to make allies even if there may not be in 100% agreement on the overall platform.
This is asinine, and the kind of mis-step the DNC just can't help making. We have everything in our power to make the convention a rallying cry to every registered member of our party. This wastes that opportunity, in an effort to court conservatives with someone who closed clinics in Ohio, in an effort to limit a full health care for women. It's a slap in the face to Democratic women, that they would do this.
The world is on fire, the time for purity tests will be after the fascist at 1600 PA Ave and his fellow GOP fascists are removed from office. I'm happy to accept any help from Kasich or any other anti-Trump Republican at this point. If Kasich can convince some moderate Republicans to vote for Joe then I say bring it on.
I'm very much pro-choice, however our country is in such dire straits, that we need to change course a bit. We are so incredibly divided thanks to 45 and his cronies, that we need to figure out a way to come together, even just a little bit, to move forward and pick ourselves up again.
I do think engaging Republicans with the Biden campaign is smart politics and also just overall good for the morale of the country. Who those Republicans should be, I can't speak to that. Definitely moderate Republicans. I do hope Biden puts a Republican or two in his cabinet to show that we are the UNITED States, unlike our current bozo who thrives on division and hate.
So yes, I think getting Republicans on board with Biden is a very smart and useful strategy. I don't think it makes "us" look desperate, but rather aligns with our values of supporting ALL the people of the USA, not wealthy "friends". We must do something to get out of this freaking nightmare, and joining with those across the aisle may be the answer.
I think it is a good idea that Kasich will speak at the Convention. I am a big fan of The Lincoln Project and know that George Conway contributed $2800 to Joe Biden's campaign and we need to work with Republicans. Also suppose the shoe was on the other foot and we had a horrible Democrat as a President...I certainly would welcome Republican help to remove that person. We may not always agree with Republicans but we need to work with them and to me, the more who come on board with Joe Biden the better. I don't think it makes Democrats look "desperate" I think it makes them look strong as they are welcoming those who may not share all their views but the one thing in common: Defeat Trump who s the worst president ever!!
No. Nope. Nix. Not on the podium. His support is not necessary. We don't need him. He doesn't really like Dems anyway. We won't get any Trumpists, borderline conservatives, or anyone else who has not already figured out that another four years of Trump is the death of this country. If that is 40% of the country, so be it.
No. Nope. Nix. Not on the podium. His support is not necessary. We don't need him. He doesn't really like Dems anyway. We won't get any Trumpists, borderline conservatives, or anyone else who has not already figured out that another four years of Trump is the death of this country. If that is 40% of the country, so be it.
Democrats don't need Kasich. Republicans on the fence do. And yes, I think that the Republican operatives can be trusted. Aren't we all allowed to grow and change? Like Joe Walsh, the right-leaning Republican has previously said, Trump is all of his true hopes brought to life, and he saw how destructive it all is. He's now an anti-Trumper. We need those voices. We can debate policy respectfully all day with people that are willing to put country over party like these guys are.
No! Kasich can campaign for Biden all he wants, but Joe runs the risk of tamping down enthusiasm among progressives. The Lincoln Project is doing a splendid job of bringing along disillusioned GOP’ers, and those who aren’t on board by now aren’t coming.
I think our only hope is to win the Senate. tRump supporters are zealots who will turn out to vote for him, no matter what. Conversely, anything Biden does will be a misstep to someone. Having Kasich at DNC? Misstep. Not having Kasich at DNC? Misstep. Naming (Harris, Abrams, Warren) as VP pick? Misstep. Not naming (Harris, Abrams, Warren) as VP pick? Misstep. Even Biden being the (presumptive) nominee is a misstep for some. My point is, I don't believe there is anything Biden can do (or not do) to completely unify the Democratic party, and even though I'm going to vote like my life depends on it (because I literally think it does), I fear greatly what is in store for this country, come November, and beyond.
One last point: Amee said "It’s hard to imagine that any American does not fully understand the risks at this point." And while I'd like to share that optimism, the unending availability of videos showing people refusing to wear masks and calling Covid-19 a hoax does not make me too hopeful.
I think this strategy is flawed, we don’t need republicans to win this election, young people first time voters.... are gonna surprise the world..... you all will witness the historical landslide... additionally there are so many great progressive speakers that can use that time slot....
John Kasich would take away from Team Trump the false claim (per current attack ads) that Biden is an Ultra-left wing liberal and a tool of OAC and her group. YES! @JohnKasich
To me, it looks like Biden is grasping at straw, I have enough problems with Biden for all that reaching across the aisle for 40 years and some of the worst laws this country has ever written, as well the good ones so I'll vote reluctantly for him not that I'm a democrat, I voted democrat in 2016 for my wife who passed away and the DNC. hasn't removed my since I re-registered as Independentl
The enemy of your enemy is your ally, not necessarily your friend. The Russians in WWII became our allies. They have never been our friends. Pay attention.
I don't think having Kasich on the podium will move the bar very much, but it will help confirm for moderate voters that the Democratic Party remains a "big tent" capable of handling multiple points of view - something that is no longer possible in the GOP.
I think its important for Biden to be open to communication with ANYone who can help get this fucker out of the WH. We all can go back to fighting our very important battles when hes out of the goddamned Whitehouse. Its the biggest deal. The people you wrote about Biden possibly alienating by working with the former governor are the same ones you write should know whats at stake. They're gonna vote to get trump the fuck out because they do know what is at stake.. and so Biden seems to have little to lose and much to gain by talking to everyone. Im happy Biden is communicating with everyone. They can discuss what their differences when we have an arena in which to do that again. That's supposed to be normal procedure. I am am so so so pro choice. The politics of the former governor sure do leave much to be desired, but its nice to see people together fighting to get him The. Fuck. Out. I agree with most of your perspective generally. I like what you write. I appreciate your work. I just really found hope in what I saw as unity. Just give me this little bit of sunshine rainbows Pollyanna hope for just a minute.. I vote essential teamwork.
For my two cents Amee and friends, it's a reach across the aisle, as we move forward we are going to need more of that to lead, heal and win. He can carry the undecided in Ohio. No, I do not agr6with many of his platforms. But. It can speak to a set of people that are not sure, it's not a time to be elite, it's a time for all to come together. So, I'm a yes for him, I think it can and will help Biden. I'm am.sure they will vett him closely..
Yes, Democrats should try to expand their base both to the right and left. Will Never-Trump Republicans stay with the Democrats in elections to come? Some will but most won't. While I don't see the Republicans nominating another narcissist sociopath, they could nominate someone far-right like Ted Cruz or a more moderate like Kasich. I think many of the Never-Trumpers, say 35%, will stay with the Democrats with a far-right Republican at the top of the ticket. With a moderate at the top of the ticket, many right-wing Republicans might not even bother to vote. But outcomes are positive for the Democrats. Positive enough to retain the presidency in four years? Who knows, but the Democrats can't afford to throw any votes away.
I think that having Kasich speak could work in the Dems favor. I would want to know who else is speaking, especially which Progressives will be given air time, before deciding if it's a good call.
No we don't, but if he can bring few of the hard core trumpers and help us push the incompetent, idiot, embarrassment of the world trump..than yes....anything at this time to save our country, the greatest United States of America.
I don't think we need Kasich, but I think he will help. I believe there are a lot of Republicans that are fed up with Trump and some will vote Biden if we give them enough of a reason. Most won't, but in a close election, it helps. I believe we will win, but I want to win big and also win the Senate, so if Kasich helps, it's worth it.
Doug Elmets and Jennifer Lim spoke at the DNC in 2016 and the DNC didn't do it to give them voice in the platform but to appeal to GOP voters who could be reasoned with.
It's a numbers game, and it just depends on how many GOP and GOP-leaning Indies we get vs. how many Bernie supporters we would lose. Hopefully not many. I pledged from early on after your post to support whoever it was.
I reasoned with a few Bernie supporters on the subreddit /r/politics and a few were stubborn, but Kasich or not, those few probably wouldn't vote Biden. I said that if Trump wins and appoints 2-3 more nominees, the Court is lost for 30 years. Then anything progressive they pass will be struck down:
* Medicare for All declared unconstitutional
* UBI declared unconstitutional
* Green New Deal unconstitutional
* Minimum wage increases struck down
*Assault weapons bans struck down
All because they were too mad Bernie didn't win nomination.
Hopefully most will will realize when October comes around that many SCOTUS decisions will be 5-4 and show up to vote.
Kasich never really did much for the Pro-life movement. He really was a conservative, but mild compared to some of the extremist Repubs that tend to dominate the Statehouse these days. I hope he can pull some of the moderate GOP to support Biden so we can be rid of the Trump lies and hysterics.
Personally, I was hoping the Dems would go a bit further left than Biden.
I think it is a serious mistake to bring John Kasich to the Democratic Convention. Featuring a failed Republican will not help further progressive goals such as a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and Black Lives Matter. In fact, Kasich helped create the dynamic that brought Trump to power. Kasich brings no voting blocs to the Democrats. Nor will Kasich help to take back the Senate for Democrats, which is vital if we replace Trump. Life long Republicans are hoping to boot Trump out of the White House but maintain Republican control of the Senate, so that Biden is unable to implement any Democratic proposals or policies. I think bringing Kasich to the convention makes Democrats look hypocritical and desperate.
Hmmm, for those dismissing the notion of purity tests at all costs, and finding real value in lifting Kasich to the Dem podium in search of conservative GOP votes for Biden, my question is, will you feel the same when he announces a black woman as his VP?
I am pleased. Kasich is a conservative, no doubt. He has never stated otherwise. I don't trust him- or any conservative - to share all of my values.
I don't trust far left/" progressives" either.
In 2016 the far left 1) didn't vote 2) voted 3rd party, 3) voted Trump.
Now the world is on fire.
I'll welcome folks like Kasich,even at the Convention. Nothing a moderate conservative may try to do can be worse than what these new "progressives " actually did in 2016.
Trump is dangerous. Never Trump conservatives are willing to join us to fight his reelection. I say welcome.
A little bit about me for context: I was a life-long Republican, fiscally conservative and socially more liberal, but I voted for Obama in 2008 because Palin scared the crap out of me and I was pissed she was McCain’s choice. After the VP debates in 2008 I called my BFF (lifelong Dem) and told her I just donated $200 to Obama. Cue excited squeals. She knew that was a major shift for me.
Given that, I don’t think Kasich hurts us (despite his abysmal record on abortion rights) because he’s not running. Biden and his VP choice are on the ticket and if more conservatives want to switch teams, even for one election cycle, I say welcome to the Resistance!
All of my southern cousins voted for Trump and likely will again just because they are Reflex-Republicans and simply won’t vote for a Democrat. But I know many other Rs who are on the fence and if Kasich can sway those votes, it’s good for us.
I don't have an issue with it. Look, the goal here is to get Trump out of the White House and to (hopefully) retake the Senate as well. Whatever makes that goal more achievable is a good thing. Is Kasich a social conservative? Absolutely, but I suspect that he will stay away from abortion and any related subjects because he too wants Trump to lose.
It’s a smart move to show Dems are STILL willing to work across the aisle despite being fucked by Republican Nazis (Mitch) during Obama’s tenure. Americans want politics and politicians to be civil again after all we’ve been through.
Are Democrats "desperate"? Shouldn't the entire nation be desperate at this point with Trump's goons on the streets throwing protesters into unmarked vans? We need to save our country from the wannabe dictator before its too late. We shouldn't be too pure to take help from all quarters. The Lincoln Project and their ilk will have an agenda which won't be the same as progressive democrats and they need to take some blame for sowing the seeds that let Trump bloom in the GOP but this country has got to stop being so completely polarized. The immediate evil is Trump and all those who enable him. We allied ourselves to Stalin in order to defeat Hitler. Let's make alliances with patriotic Americans.
All hands on deck: that's my position. We don't have time to pursue purity politics right now. We need every vote ... even the conservative ones. Kasich can bring big chunks of Ohio with him, which may seal the election for Biden. This is how alliances work. They aren't permanent, nor do they require agreement on every single point. They are alliances agreed upon by two or more parties to achieve an end result. In this case, the end result is the defeat of Trump. Let's do this!
We're always saying "Vote Blue No Matter Who" well I'll take anyhelp given. Like two teams trading an athelete, at some point most start playing to help you win and fans get on board.
I understand the politics here - they are going for the most reliable demographic, older white voters. Kasich can convince voters who would either stay home or undervote the top of the ticket that they can vote for Biden as a principled conservative.
It makes sense and is probably a winning strategy. The DNC won’t cater to younger progressives until they show that they’ll actually come out and vote. All of the “well stay home unless our candidate wins” is just solidifying this belief.
We do not need a man who hates every Democratic value making a speech at our convention. Kasich has always been a hateful opponent, anti-woman, anti-abortion, anti-choice. I will not watch his speech. None of the people he appeals to will vote for any Democrat, mostly because of abortion. Joe has this dream of bipartisanship - a pipe dream. Republicans are the party of hate, racism, and misogyny and we don’t need a republican telling us anything.
As governor of Ohio John Kasich passed abortion restrictions and stripped $1.3M of funding from Planned Parenthood unrelated to abortion, as he supports defunding PP entirely above and beyond abortion services. He sign a law prohibiting state-funded rape crisis counselors from referring women to abortion services. While he was governor the number of abortion providers in Ohio was halved. This man is a right winger who believes stridently that women do not have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. He also said LGBT+ people refused service by businesses should “get over it.” Kasich being a Never Trumper is irrelevant; the enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend.
I'm not a fan of Kasich, but I know many conservatives that are turned off from Biden. They certainly don't like Trump, but they cringe at the thought of Biden running the country. Perhaps this is a good idea on the D's part. Shows more of a centrist unification? I'm no expert, but our party is open to everyone, isn't it? Progressives, centrists, etc? I'm hoping the stage will be open to many voices showing Biden support.
This is what I think. Biden represents the old white wing of the Democratic party who can best be described as "I want to help the less fortunate as long as it does not topple me and my kind from the top of the heap." In other words, it is still the iron fist of white supremacy, just in a velvet glove.
The end to white supremacy is coming thru the weight of demographic shift. The young people in the party long ago made peace with that (I am 57 and the older Democrats have been shushing my political voice with a softly-softly approach since I was a child), and have been trying to get our elders to see the future and work for it in a wise and orderly fashion. Instead, they keep stalling, saying the time is not ripe, reaching across the isle, etc.
I will vote for Biden, but it is a Hans Brinker vote. Biden is literally just a thumb in the dyke. The water is coming and it we do not finally face the evil of White Supremacy straight on and consign it to the ranks of history, the dyke WILL burst and we will all drown. Other than a few bright spots, the Dems show no signs of being able to do that. Like the 'nice' plantation owners that did not mistreat their slaves, they have no intentions of letting go of the reality that has put them at the top of the heap. In this, they are the natural allies of today's Republicans and will fail us in the end.
John Kasich would take away from Team Trump the false claim (per current attack ads) that Biden is an Ultra-left wing liberal and a tool of OAC and her group. YES! @JohnKasich
is a reasonable well liked Conservative.
The Republican Party is no more. It is solely the Trump party. Kasich, the Lincoln Project, etc. are conservatives and know just what a danger to America that Trump truly is. Once he is out of office they will return to doing everything in their power to oppose Democrats but for now I welcome their help.
If Kasich has evolved on Women's Rights, it would be more appropriate to have him at the DNC. I understand, and appreciate, the strategy of unifying ALL against trump. Believe me. However, I think his stance on women's rights requires that he endorse Biden from his own stage. Women's rights are human rights and are hanging by a thread right now.
My first reaction is, "How can we align with a man who introduced 21 restrictive abortion bills in his state?" Ensuring abortion rights is something we trust to Democrats. No Democratic governors are trying to limit access to this safe, legal medical procedure. It's such a great divide, and few are more divisive than Kasich when it comes to a woman's right to choose. On the other hand, if abortion is the sticky issue with Republicans in voting for Biden, Kasich supporting Biden might get them over that last hurdle in voting for a "damn Democrat."
We have literally been begging conservatives to put our country over their party for 4 years.
We cannot add a condition that they must also embrace our platform. We have to unite to beat the biggest threat this country has ever faced so we can be alive to fight about ideology next year.
We have to reach squishy republicans to win the senate, and if Kasich can represent to them that voting for Joe and democrats is safe, we should have him on.
The resistance outcry about it makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t want us to end up soundIng like GOP because I guess I will resist that too.
If it brings in one more vote for Biden it is good thing. That is why he is there, not to advise on policy.
I don't think looking "desperate" is a meaningful concern. But, I think disaffecting the active, energized and younger left of the party is a real risk.
Might be OK if he were to speak STRICTLY to Trump failings and Republicans enabling him?
But if he wanders into Third Way/DLC "meet in the middle" material, I think he could do more harm than good.
I'm no fan of Kasich. Living near & working in Ohio, I'm certainly familiar enough with him to make that assessment. However, if Biden feels that his path to victory is building a coalition that suggests some semblance of unity, why not?
Biden is no progressive. But he can build bridges that more liberal Democrats may be unable to, so why not let him do so? Rather than rip the band-aid over the wounds left by Trump's presidency clean off, maybe it needs a more gentle coaxing?
I don't expect much forward momentum from a Biden presidency, even if he wouldn't have been forced to dig us out of the many holes left by the Trump administration. What I most hope comes from it is a chance for the country to experience a period of healing & reflection & that we come to the understanding that it's not our destiny as a nation to go backward, thus opening the door to more progressive & impactful leadership.
Yeah, I'm probably kidding myself, but I'd like to see America led by someone of Elizabeth Warren's caliber within the next decade.
#UnitedNotDivided is Biden's message. It won't change the platform of the DNC and Biden which is the most progressive in history, and gives those right leaning independents a reason to vote for Joe.
I think it's a good move. It shows inclusion towards the disaffected Republican voter. Personally, I believe this election is a referendum on DJT not normal political disagreement.
I'm not sure how much it matters if he speaks, as long as he isn't a centerpiece, and he's well out of the platform decisions. My overall concern is that we not be super grateful to the Lincoln Project & other GOP semi-sane conservatives if they help us save the country. I'm happy to use them. They would use us. We just need to remember who *WE* are and cut ties when/if we win. Meaning, it is absolutely unacceptable for them to have a voice in our party after Nov. 3. I worry about traditional liberal guilt/decency manifestations pushing anyone in the direction of, "the country needs to heal, so let's not bring trump criminals to justice," or even just "let's give these conservatives a home." They can have a home if they can adopt our values. Otherwise, they can go rebuild their own party or found another. Some of them really may have changed their minds on various traditional conservative issues in the wake of trump. People in the mold of Nicolle Wallace. But honestly, not the George Conways, or even Joe Scarboroughs or John Kasichs or Justin Amashes of the world.. And I don't think it's accidental that the people that I think may have come around to more of our views are *women*. I don't trust the white guys, or rather, they'd have to climb one hell of a hill for me to give them a chance.
Hi Amee, thanks for this blog. I totally agree that the former Ohio Governor will attract a certain pool of voters disenfranchised with Trump and his administration. I do not agree with John Kasich’s viewpoint of outlawing or severely restricting abortion, but we need to be respectful with people and their own opinions if it will ultimately be better for the country to include more socially conservative voters in order to win November’s elections on several fronts. Agreeing to disagree with this line item debate is how we need to proceed in my opinion.
The Trump Administration has taken multiple stabs at the very thing individuals who may have pro-life philosophies may need for having a baby-Parents need health insurance for themselves and their soon to be family. We have a very weakened ACA (Obama’s hallmark national medical insurance program) which acknowledges that abortion is a necessary procedure)that has helped those parents with pro-life as well as pro-choice stances . Without this safety net, unprepared parents to be will be in dire financial circumstances.
In my opinion, if we rely on laws to outlaw abortion we will endanger the mother’s collective health. Possibly permanently. Illegal abortions will injure or kill young people who had not made well constructed decisions and then are forced to go through the burden as under insured parents or risk their lives to unlicensed illegal abortion clinics. Laws that restrict abortion do not stop young people from having abortions no matter how argumentative the Evangelicals want to quibble.
I categorically disagree with John Kasich’s opinion of leading the charge in Ohio to severely restrict safe abortions. But we cannot disavow him and his beliefs on one sticking point. If he brings into the fold conservationists, pro life Democrats, union, manufacturing as well as rural communities in the Rust Belt, upper Midwest, Southwest, and Bible Belt, we are going to need all the help we can get to dismantle 45’s thuggish, treasonous apparatus come November. That’s my view. Better to make allies even if there may not be in 100% agreement on the overall platform.
This is asinine, and the kind of mis-step the DNC just can't help making. We have everything in our power to make the convention a rallying cry to every registered member of our party. This wastes that opportunity, in an effort to court conservatives with someone who closed clinics in Ohio, in an effort to limit a full health care for women. It's a slap in the face to Democratic women, that they would do this.
As Governor he fought against collective bargaining rights, against increasing the minimum wage, proposed raising taxes on the poorest and cutting them for the wealthiest, he cut education funding and funding for nursing homes, and he's against paid sick leave. (https://aflcio.org/2016/4/1/5-reasons-why-john-kasich-one-worst-candidates-working-families)
He doesn't belong at the Democratic Convention!
The world is on fire, the time for purity tests will be after the fascist at 1600 PA Ave and his fellow GOP fascists are removed from office. I'm happy to accept any help from Kasich or any other anti-Trump Republican at this point. If Kasich can convince some moderate Republicans to vote for Joe then I say bring it on.
I'm very much pro-choice, however our country is in such dire straits, that we need to change course a bit. We are so incredibly divided thanks to 45 and his cronies, that we need to figure out a way to come together, even just a little bit, to move forward and pick ourselves up again.
I do think engaging Republicans with the Biden campaign is smart politics and also just overall good for the morale of the country. Who those Republicans should be, I can't speak to that. Definitely moderate Republicans. I do hope Biden puts a Republican or two in his cabinet to show that we are the UNITED States, unlike our current bozo who thrives on division and hate.
So yes, I think getting Republicans on board with Biden is a very smart and useful strategy. I don't think it makes "us" look desperate, but rather aligns with our values of supporting ALL the people of the USA, not wealthy "friends". We must do something to get out of this freaking nightmare, and joining with those across the aisle may be the answer.
I think it is a good idea that Kasich will speak at the Convention. I am a big fan of The Lincoln Project and know that George Conway contributed $2800 to Joe Biden's campaign and we need to work with Republicans. Also suppose the shoe was on the other foot and we had a horrible Democrat as a President...I certainly would welcome Republican help to remove that person. We may not always agree with Republicans but we need to work with them and to me, the more who come on board with Joe Biden the better. I don't think it makes Democrats look "desperate" I think it makes them look strong as they are welcoming those who may not share all their views but the one thing in common: Defeat Trump who s the worst president ever!!
No. Nope. Nix. Not on the podium. His support is not necessary. We don't need him. He doesn't really like Dems anyway. We won't get any Trumpists, borderline conservatives, or anyone else who has not already figured out that another four years of Trump is the death of this country. If that is 40% of the country, so be it.
No. Nope. Nix. Not on the podium. His support is not necessary. We don't need him. He doesn't really like Dems anyway. We won't get any Trumpists, borderline conservatives, or anyone else who has not already figured out that another four years of Trump is the death of this country. If that is 40% of the country, so be it.
Democrats don't need Kasich. Republicans on the fence do. And yes, I think that the Republican operatives can be trusted. Aren't we all allowed to grow and change? Like Joe Walsh, the right-leaning Republican has previously said, Trump is all of his true hopes brought to life, and he saw how destructive it all is. He's now an anti-Trumper. We need those voices. We can debate policy respectfully all day with people that are willing to put country over party like these guys are.
No! Kasich can campaign for Biden all he wants, but Joe runs the risk of tamping down enthusiasm among progressives. The Lincoln Project is doing a splendid job of bringing along disillusioned GOP’ers, and those who aren’t on board by now aren’t coming.
I think our only hope is to win the Senate. tRump supporters are zealots who will turn out to vote for him, no matter what. Conversely, anything Biden does will be a misstep to someone. Having Kasich at DNC? Misstep. Not having Kasich at DNC? Misstep. Naming (Harris, Abrams, Warren) as VP pick? Misstep. Not naming (Harris, Abrams, Warren) as VP pick? Misstep. Even Biden being the (presumptive) nominee is a misstep for some. My point is, I don't believe there is anything Biden can do (or not do) to completely unify the Democratic party, and even though I'm going to vote like my life depends on it (because I literally think it does), I fear greatly what is in store for this country, come November, and beyond.
One last point: Amee said "It’s hard to imagine that any American does not fully understand the risks at this point." And while I'd like to share that optimism, the unending availability of videos showing people refusing to wear masks and calling Covid-19 a hoax does not make me too hopeful.
I think this strategy is flawed, we don’t need republicans to win this election, young people first time voters.... are gonna surprise the world..... you all will witness the historical landslide... additionally there are so many great progressive speakers that can use that time slot....
John Kasich would take away from Team Trump the false claim (per current attack ads) that Biden is an Ultra-left wing liberal and a tool of OAC and her group. YES! @JohnKasich
is a reasonable well liked Conservative.
To me, it looks like Biden is grasping at straw, I have enough problems with Biden for all that reaching across the aisle for 40 years and some of the worst laws this country has ever written, as well the good ones so I'll vote reluctantly for him not that I'm a democrat, I voted democrat in 2016 for my wife who passed away and the DNC. hasn't removed my since I re-registered as Independentl
The enemy of your enemy is your ally, not necessarily your friend. The Russians in WWII became our allies. They have never been our friends. Pay attention.
I don't think having Kasich on the podium will move the bar very much, but it will help confirm for moderate voters that the Democratic Party remains a "big tent" capable of handling multiple points of view - something that is no longer possible in the GOP.
No to tribalism and purity, yes to inclusivity. If Kasich wants to join us in defeating trump I say "Welcome Governor, I'm glad to see you".
I think its important for Biden to be open to communication with ANYone who can help get this fucker out of the WH. We all can go back to fighting our very important battles when hes out of the goddamned Whitehouse. Its the biggest deal. The people you wrote about Biden possibly alienating by working with the former governor are the same ones you write should know whats at stake. They're gonna vote to get trump the fuck out because they do know what is at stake.. and so Biden seems to have little to lose and much to gain by talking to everyone. Im happy Biden is communicating with everyone. They can discuss what their differences when we have an arena in which to do that again. That's supposed to be normal procedure. I am am so so so pro choice. The politics of the former governor sure do leave much to be desired, but its nice to see people together fighting to get him The. Fuck. Out. I agree with most of your perspective generally. I like what you write. I appreciate your work. I just really found hope in what I saw as unity. Just give me this little bit of sunshine rainbows Pollyanna hope for just a minute.. I vote essential teamwork.
For my two cents Amee and friends, it's a reach across the aisle, as we move forward we are going to need more of that to lead, heal and win. He can carry the undecided in Ohio. No, I do not agr6with many of his platforms. But. It can speak to a set of people that are not sure, it's not a time to be elite, it's a time for all to come together. So, I'm a yes for him, I think it can and will help Biden. I'm am.sure they will vett him closely..
Yes, Democrats should try to expand their base both to the right and left. Will Never-Trump Republicans stay with the Democrats in elections to come? Some will but most won't. While I don't see the Republicans nominating another narcissist sociopath, they could nominate someone far-right like Ted Cruz or a more moderate like Kasich. I think many of the Never-Trumpers, say 35%, will stay with the Democrats with a far-right Republican at the top of the ticket. With a moderate at the top of the ticket, many right-wing Republicans might not even bother to vote. But outcomes are positive for the Democrats. Positive enough to retain the presidency in four years? Who knows, but the Democrats can't afford to throw any votes away.
I think that having Kasich speak could work in the Dems favor. I would want to know who else is speaking, especially which Progressives will be given air time, before deciding if it's a good call.
I would say put him on stage and let’s get this party started.
No we don't, but if he can bring few of the hard core trumpers and help us push the incompetent, idiot, embarrassment of the world trump..than yes....anything at this time to save our country, the greatest United States of America.
I think it depends.
IF Kasich's talking points focus on WHY trump is THE worst choice for our nation, it could be helpful.
He should not focus on policy issues, at all, because he represents a radically different and opposing view from Democrats.
Personally, it's a bit of a turn off for me. 'We only do have one chance here to get it right.'
I don't think we need Kasich, but I think he will help. I believe there are a lot of Republicans that are fed up with Trump and some will vote Biden if we give them enough of a reason. Most won't, but in a close election, it helps. I believe we will win, but I want to win big and also win the Senate, so if Kasich helps, it's worth it.
Doug Elmets and Jennifer Lim spoke at the DNC in 2016 and the DNC didn't do it to give them voice in the platform but to appeal to GOP voters who could be reasoned with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9z3cNTN2HI
It's a numbers game, and it just depends on how many GOP and GOP-leaning Indies we get vs. how many Bernie supporters we would lose. Hopefully not many. I pledged from early on after your post to support whoever it was.
https://twitter.com/girlsreallyrule/status/1089199527679135750
I reasoned with a few Bernie supporters on the subreddit /r/politics and a few were stubborn, but Kasich or not, those few probably wouldn't vote Biden. I said that if Trump wins and appoints 2-3 more nominees, the Court is lost for 30 years. Then anything progressive they pass will be struck down:
* Medicare for All declared unconstitutional
* UBI declared unconstitutional
* Green New Deal unconstitutional
* Minimum wage increases struck down
*Assault weapons bans struck down
All because they were too mad Bernie didn't win nomination.
Hopefully most will will realize when October comes around that many SCOTUS decisions will be 5-4 and show up to vote.
Kasich never really did much for the Pro-life movement. He really was a conservative, but mild compared to some of the extremist Repubs that tend to dominate the Statehouse these days. I hope he can pull some of the moderate GOP to support Biden so we can be rid of the Trump lies and hysterics.
Personally, I was hoping the Dems would go a bit further left than Biden.
I think it is a serious mistake to bring John Kasich to the Democratic Convention. Featuring a failed Republican will not help further progressive goals such as a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and Black Lives Matter. In fact, Kasich helped create the dynamic that brought Trump to power. Kasich brings no voting blocs to the Democrats. Nor will Kasich help to take back the Senate for Democrats, which is vital if we replace Trump. Life long Republicans are hoping to boot Trump out of the White House but maintain Republican control of the Senate, so that Biden is unable to implement any Democratic proposals or policies. I think bringing Kasich to the convention makes Democrats look hypocritical and desperate.
Hmmm, for those dismissing the notion of purity tests at all costs, and finding real value in lifting Kasich to the Dem podium in search of conservative GOP votes for Biden, my question is, will you feel the same when he announces a black woman as his VP?