To the dismay of many Americans, including the Republican Party, candidate Donald Trump appears to be unstoppable. He has won 19 of the 29 republican primaries thus far, a vast majority in comparison to his rivals, one of whom (Marco Rubio) recently suspended their campaign. The news stated that the only thing that could possibly stop Trump in his tracks towards the republican nomination would be a loss in Ohio. That loss came in the form of three syllables: John Kasich. Kasich beat Trump with 46.8 percent of votes compared to 35.6 percent, giving him all 66 delegates in that state.
Kasich is notas well known among voters as Trump, Cruz, or Rubio, but is the only moderate candidate on both sides running. Moderates within parties appear to be one of the biggest downfalls of this presidential race, with very little chance of swaying voters. However, this may be what gives Kasich the momentum that Trump cannot give to voters.
Kasich has several views coinciding with conservative and republican values, but ones that are considered liberal and democratic as well. On the conservative side, Kasich is a firm pro-life supporter and has defunded Planned Parenthood with a bill that took away $1.4 million of its federal dollars. Kasich has also signed 16 anti-abortion measures into law. Kasich also supports the death penalty, as well as opposing the idea of medical and recreational marijuana use within America.
On the more liberal side, Kasich has acknowledged that climate change is real, and is an issue that must be dealt with. He raised taxes on fracking as well as signed a bill protecting the water quality of Lake Erie. When it comes to LGBT rights, Kasich is opposed to the Supreme Court ruling of equal marriage, but indicated that he would abide by the law and was not interested in overturning it. On immigration, Kasich has called for a path to legal status for illegal immigrants (not citizenship, however). Kasich has also taken several steps towards decreasing police brutality in his state, creating a board that would review criticism among the population to improve policing standards.
While Kasich may not be first, or second in the republican run for the nomination, it is always good to have a moderate side and view compared to the far left and far right currently shown within the race. In order to advance further, Kasich must win several more primaries as well as become more well-known among voters. While many believe that a nomination for Kasich sounds crazy, many people also thought that Trump being in the lead was crazy as well. The only way to determine the outcome is through votes.
