In the remaining days before the primary, most of the candidates have gone negative and are focused on making attacks on each other. John Kasich, on the other hand, has stayed positive and hopes to be rewarded by the voters of New Hampshire. The Ohio Governor says that he is having the time of his life despite the almost 24/7 grind which a presidential candidate must endure. At this point, some candidates seem to be showing signs of tension and desperation. Kasich on the other hand says that he is relaxed and resigned to whatever happens because he feels that he has worked hard and has no regrets about the type of campaign that he has run.
The interview took place on the Kasich campaign bus after a town hall meeting with students of Concord High School. The town hall format seem to be a John Kasich strong point. The governor has a three part mission when he has one of these meetings with the voters–1) show people that someone cares about them; 2) be hopeful; and 3) have people feel that they are special and that they can feel safe.
Most candidates will answer a question about healthcare with a prepared vague answer. John Kasich gives details and lots of specifics. He would repeal the Affordable Care Act because it has failed to control costs and has driven up insurance rates, deductibles, etc. Kasich would combine federal and state resources. State exchanges would be created, so that people can shop for a policy. This would enable the working poor to continue having coverage. Kasich would push for payment reform which would give hospitals and doctors incentives to give good quality service at lower costs.
If John Kasich could plant one question for the moderators to ask the candidates at the next debate it would be, “Why are you spending your time being negative instead of discussing your ideas or explaining what you are going to do?”
