5 highlights from DNC night 1: Biden can ‘restore the soul of America,’ Cuomo and Sanders declare
Kasich says former VP won’t turn far left
Among the many speakers were former Republican political officeholders who voiced their criticisms of Trump and vowed to support Biden.
The most notable among them was former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, one of Trump’s rivals during the 2016 Republican presidential primary and a moderate Republican.
The other Republican officeholders who addressed the DNC were former Rep. Susan Molinari of New York and former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman.
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“America is at a crossroads. Sometimes elections represent a real choice, a choice we make as individuals and as a nation about which path we want to take when we’ve come to challenging times,” Kasich said in his remarks. “America is at that crossroads today. The stakes in this election are greater than any in modern times. Many of us have been deeply concerned about the current path we’ve been following for the past four years.”
Kasich argued that during Trump’s tenure, there has been “division, dysfunction, irresponsibility, and growing vitriol between our citizens.”
“Continuing to follow that path will have terrible consequences for America’s soul because we’re being taken down the wrong road by a president who has pitted one against the other. He’s unlike all of our best leaders before him, who worked to unite us, to bridge our differences, and lead us to a united America,” Kasich said.
“I’m a lifelong Republican, but that attachment holds second place to my responsibility to my country. That’s why I’ve chosen to appear at this convention.”
Kasich, a former member of Congress who chaired the House Budget Committee from 1995 to 2001, said he has known the former vice president for over 30 years.
“I know Joe is a good man; a man of faith, a unifier, someone who understands the hopes and dreams of the common man and the common woman, a man who can help us to see the humanity in each other,” Kasich said. “Yes, there are areas where Joe and I absolutely disagree. But that’s OK because that’s America. Because whatever our differences, we respect one another as human beings, each of us searching for justice and for purpose.”
While Sanders tried to pound home the point that Biden is embracing more left-leaning agenda items, Kasich tried to make the argument to conservatives that Biden won’t take a “left turn” once he gets into office. However, Biden has already seemingly shifted his policy agenda further left due to the influence of Sanders and his camp.
“I’m sure there are Republicans and Independents who couldn’t imagine crossing over to support a Democrat. They fear Joe may turn sharp left and leave them behind,” Kasich said during the convention. “I don’t believe that because I know the measure of the man. It’s reasonable, faithful, respectful, and, you know, no one pushes Joe around.”
Kasich’s invitation to speak at the convention drew the ire of left-leaning House Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who claimed that Kasich doesn’t represent the party. The decision to invite Kasich and other Republicans, however, was defended by Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez.
