Masters in politics podcast. Bob shrum. Absolutely humongous night four, count them, four president ial candidates, here on msnbc. Thanks for watching. We are americans before we are republicans, or democrats. We are americans. John kasich is as determined as ever. Im going to compete across the country, and tell people who i am, and let the chips fall where they may. Can he unite a divided party . I have a record of accomplishment, a record of bringing people together, and im the one that can get the crossover votes. I will not take the lone road to the highest office in the land. I will not do it. And do more than just stay in the race. No one is going to that convention with enough delegates. Im beating hillary by 11 points. Im the only one that can win in the fall. They told me it cannot be done and i said you watch me. This is an msnbc exclusive with governor john kasich, from saint Helen Catholic church. Here now, chuck todd. Well, good evening, and welcome to another msnbc town hall, this one with Ohio Governor, john kasich. Were in queens, new york. St. Helen catholic church. Not far from where donald trump grew up. Governor kasich is playing the long game, looking toward a floor fight at the convention in his home state, which just happens to also be in cleveland. But there are a lot of contests to get through. First, weve got a few more months before the july convention. New york votes in less than three weeks. It matters. The new york primary. And the next big primary is even sooner. Its wisconsin. This coming tuesday. So lets get started, and welcome, governor john kasich, republican from ohio. Welcome to queens. You know youre in Donald Trumps home bureau . I didnt know that. If i had known that, i would have studied it. I know im going to get good pizza when this is over. Thats what i know. Thats more important. Thats the pandering we want to hear. You dont use a knife and fork for your pizza, fold it and eat it like a new yorker, right . Well, come on, chuck. I grew up in the keys rock. We didnt have silverware. Lets start with a question that actually is almost the most common one i get and i bet you get it too. What the heck is happening in
the Republican Party . Well, look, a lot of these people that are here today, they think the system is ripping them off. I mean, theyre worried about hear jobs, chuck. Theyre worried about getting a wage increase. They put their money in the bank, and remember, we used to get interest. Now they dont give you anything. Theyre worried about their kids. Weve got a lot of kids here im told. We want a good america and theyre worked up about it. On top of it, politicians that promise things they could never deliver. The talk show hosts, they drive this as well, and people are stirred up. Whats the organizing principle of the Republican Party now . I thought i knew what it was, low taxes, small government, Strong National defense. It doesnt feel like the organizing principle right now that we are a seeing in the party. Well, youre seeing it out of me. I have a right to lead the party and define it as much as anybody else. Here is what i believe. You havent responded to it
yet. When they know me they do, absolutely. Heres the thing. I think its really a couple of things. First of all, its all about jobs. I mean, the only thing that matters, the three things that matters is jobs, jobs, jobs. Once we have economic growth, once we have jobs, then we cant leave anybody behind. The mentally ill, the drug a d addicted, everybody has to have a sense that they can rise. There is one other thing i think is really important. Especially being in a place like queens. I mean, i dont know queens that well, but i can sit here for two seconds and look in your eyes, the spirit of our country doesnt rest in washington. The spirit of our country rests in your neighborhood. You, look, i mean, i dont know as much as i would like to about what happened here during the flood. My understanding is this church served as a beacon for people who lost. Part of it was flooded as well. I know. There was ten feet of water here
according to the father that runs the school. But everybody pulled together, right. Shoulder to the wheel. We were all connected. Thats what needs to be reborn in america again. We dont need to wait for a politician to fix our problems. The politicians ought to do their job, provide economic growth, protect us from these crazy people that want to kill us. But then our schools, the poverty programs, the programs that affect people who are lonely, were the ones that have to heal that, right where we live. We need to give people the confidence to know that they need to change the world in which they live, chuck. I mean, you know, were all look, its, you know, easter season still. I believe the lord has given us all certain gifts, and i think we need to use those gifts to live a live bigger than ourselves. Thats what i think is important. The bigwigs taking care of their job, and then in the neighborhoods, revitalizing and
rereenergizing the country. Its been defined by a sentiment, a culture, however you want to describe it, the issue with this Campaign Manager and the charges that were filed, ted cruz called it blamed trump himself and says he is creating an abusive culture in the campaign. You were critical too, saying would you have suspended mr. Lewandowski. I heard there was a video. I would have gotten rid of him, period. Do you blame trump for the culture at these rallies . Here is what i know, chuck. Ive done more than 200 town hall meetings. I can walk into a room and tell people about how were going to solve problems, recognize the frustration, but tell you how we can work our way out of it. Ive done it all of my career. Or i can walk foo a room and just depresented ros people and bitter. Its your choice as a leader. I choose to give people hope. I think in some cases, he has fed on he has driven people further into gloom and doom. I dont think thats what a good leader does. And you know, this whole thing that we always lose, i think were doing pretty well in america. I mean, yeah, we have our problems. But look how much longer people live. Look at the improvements in education. Look at the improvements in transportation, and so many things. You think america is already great . I think america is great. I think we have our challenges and problems, clearly, brought by politicians that havent done their job, and with some people in the Business World who have been greedy. I mean, there is a lot of things that are floating around out there, but does anybody deny the greatness of our country. Where would you like to live if you didnt live here. This is a great place. The key, though, is to vinconvi the people here, if they can liver a life better than themselves, i can get the jobs going and take care of the national security, were going to be fantastic and our kids are
going to have a great life. What are we thinking about here . You shall we say have evolved when it comes to donald trump. The one piece of tape i have, i want to play a compilation what youve said about mr. Trump and the potential of you supporting him. Why are you comfortable supporting him. Because weve got a long way to go to the nomination. I dont believe hell be the nominee. If he ends up as the nominee, sometimes he makes it hard, but you know, i will support whoever is the republican nominee for president. Well, its tough. I mean, but he is not going to be the nominee. Well look at it every single day and see what happens. We have a long way to go. I dont want project hell be the nominee. If he is, i review it everyday. I was going to say, it sounds more hesitant everyday. I said what i said, chuck and im done talking about the subject. This is getting very boring. Guess what, i was right. Sunday, you said one thing, 48
hours later, you called his Foreign Policy ridiculous, his rhetoric, i cant imagine you ever supporting someone you thought was incindiary or ridiculous. Im a republican. Were all in arena. There is only three of us left. But anybody who got in the arena, i mean, its no the easy running for president. I can tell you. Its great. I mean, my dad was a mailman, im sitting here with chuck todd in queens, its fantastic, okay. But, but, i mean trump is in the arena with me, and sometimes it is a roller coaster the way i see him. Sometimes he calms down, the last debate, he was very calm, and then these crazy things start happening. Its not just him, he says we should patrol muslim neighborhoods. It pulls the country apart. I was thinking about this today driving over here. So i have two 16yearold twin daughters, whenever i say who,
if you happen to be the nominee, i would have to tell them why i would endorse him if i did. So i have my two daughters you dont know what to tell them. I dont know what im going do yet. Honestly, i dont think he will be the nominee. Ill tell you why. Nobody will have enough delegates when we get to the convention. People will think about two things. Who can win in the fall, which he and cruz cant. And secondly, who can be a good president. Thats a crazy thing to think about. Who can run the country. You can laugh. The fact that you said you dont know what to tell your daughters yet, do you think he is sexist . Look, im not going there. Do you think im not going there. Why did you say two daughters. Because if they were my two sons. I have daughters, okay. Because a lot of people believe [ applause ] chuck, were not in a
psychologists office here. Ive said what i have to say. You figure. They pay you all this money to figure this out. All i want to do is a politician want please to read between the lines. All i want to tell people is how we can get it fixed. A lot of people say why do you always talk about your record. Ill tell you why. In this day, if a politicians lips are moving, we assume theyre lying. If i can tell you what i have done in various places, and tell you what i can do, instead of hey, im going to give you a 10 flat tax, all this and other things, i can tell you what i think can be accomplished. You just brought up what ted cruz said about patrolling muslim neighborhoods, and as you know, bill bratton, he criticized what cruz said. Cruz has argued, he thought it was a mistake that the nypd stop
surveilling muslims. He is a policing expert . Bratton said it was short sided capitlation of the people of new york. Who do you side with . Im a bratton fan. Bill bratton started in boston. He had a hard time in boston. They kicked him around and he came up with this policing business. He did he graduated from boston. He did great there. He came to new york, and he was giulianis commissioner. Then he then he goes to los angeles. He is out there dealing with the gangs. When i was first governor, i called him. He didnt know me. I said sir, ive been elected governor of ohio. Who would be the best person to run my prison system, because youre the best in policing. He said well we dont have anybody great. We do now, my guy, gary moore. But bratton is a smart guy. I believe him. These people can get it. I have no question about it. If i want to find out about radicalization in the muslim community, i dont send you. As smart a guy as you are, you arent going to be able to figure it out. I have to go talk to somebody who goes to the mosque. If i try to send you there, you would be three blocks away, here comes that guy from television, okay. It wouldnt work. We have the entire civilized world fighting against a small group of murderers. Our key, the key for america and the president is to unite the civilized world, to get over the egos, turf protection and fight this, and stop it now, both killing isis in the middle east and then the good intelligence
that we need and the policing that we need worldwide, so auto we can be safe. If youre going to polarize one group, am i right or wrong about that folks . I mean, i dont think there is any other way to do it. Speaking of these folks, lets go to some questions. One other thing about this. And then i want to get to their questions. Doubling down, the easiest people to attack are the muslims, right, attack them. I mean, then i can be popular. Thats not what a leader does. Sometimes a leader has to say hey, folks, lets calm down, lets be smart about this. Because its our families, neighborhood, and civilization thats at stake. I am free. People say what does that mean . Im having the time of my life. I get to say what i really believe, based on all the experience ive had throughout my lifetime, to be a good leader. So if i dont get your vote, i want it, but if i dont get it, thats cool. Because you dont want me telling you something that isnt true, so i get your vote. Then suck you into the process and then when i dont deliver, you get bitter. Im not going do that. Its hard. But thats the only way i can see to be a publish official. Lets answer questions from them and not me. Edmond sullivan has the first question. Where is mr. Sullivan here . Right here. Sorry. We want to make it so you dont have that. Retired new york city firefighter. Welcome, governor. Slices of pizza on your way out. I am a retired new york city firefighter, and i firmly believe elected officials have ignored new york city for decades, unless for a tragedy or political fundraiser, for example, we are a political football as we were for sandy. Two issues that should have been a no brainer. Why should we believe you have our best interest and not simply cl
clamorri clamorring votes. Were all connected. You know, we are all, if things happen, when sandy happened here, and people lost their homes, or when we see a Police Officer that gets, you know, assassinated, we all die a little bit. You know, we all lose a little something. You know, not only here. But even around the world, when we see people get blown up on easter sunday, we all die a little, dont we. When a fireman goes into a building and loses their life, we all look at it. We all die a little bit. So we can all die a little bit, but we can all rise a little bit, sir. And there is no way that i love new york. This is incredible place. Just coming here, its like, you know, its like, its like having a transfusion into life, when you come here. This is a precious place, a precious city. Frankly, the apple of the world,
not just of the United States. But thats the way i feel, not just in a big town, but small towns as well. I mean, this is america. And we are strongest when we pull together. I think heard the little sound bite, we should be americans before were republicans and democrats. Absolutely. And we cant have a system were driving people. You know, i am a democratic and i hate you, im a republican and i think youre nuts. Look, i am a conservative, but i dont have to dislike the people that dont agree with me. And so when you talk about new york or any where else, its got to always be in the minds of a leader of this country, but you know who its most important that it is in the minds of, you. As a fireman. As a policeman, as a teacher, as a nurse. I mean, again, i want to go back. The strength of our country rests in the neighborhoods, and we cant ignore neighborhoods when theyre in distress. Let me ask you, though. The Republican Party scapegoats new york city every once in a while they want to make a point. Who did that . Ted cruz talked about new york values. Who else did it . You have lot of people, when they run and theyre small conservative towns. I love that song by riana. When you hear the phrase new york values, is that a positive or negative. For me, i love it. I cant keep my wife from coming here all the time. Shell come and campaign here. I say sweetie, will you come to new york. You wont be able to get rid of her. For me, its an exciting place. I mean, think of the arts and the all the things, the literature. Its great. Im not pandering either so is columbus, ohio. Come. You know where you really want to come this summer. You want to go to cleveland. Apparently a lot of people want to go to cleveland. Im going to sneak in a quick commercial break on that note. Well be right back. Hey, need fast heartburn relief . Try cool mint zantac. It releases a cooling sensation in your mouth and throat. Zantac works in as little as 30 minutes. Nexium can take 24 hours. Try cool mint zantac. No pill relieves heartburn faster. A 401 k is the most sound way to go. Lets talk asset allocation. Sure. You seem knowledgeable, professional. Would you trust me as your Financial Advisor . I would. I would indeed. Well, lets be clear here. Im actually a dj. [ dance music plays ] [laughs] no way i have no Financial Experience at all. That really is you . If theyre not a cfp pro, you just dont know. Find a certified Financial Planner professional whos thoroughly vetted at letsmakeaplan. Org. Cfp work with the highest standard. This just got interesting. So why pause to take a pill . And why stop to find a bathroom . Cialis for daily use, is the only daily tablet approved to treat erectile dysfunction so you can be Ready Anytime the moment is right. Plus cialis treats the frustrating urinary symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently, day or night. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, or adempas for pulmonary hypertension, as it may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Do not drink alcohol in excess. Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. To avoid longterm injury, get medical help right away for an erection lasting more than four hours. If you have any sudden decrease or loss in hearing or vision, or any symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop taking cialis and get medical help right away. Ask your doctor about cialis for daily use. Insurance coverage has expanded nationally and you may now be covered. Contact your health plan for the latest information. And you may now be covered. May not always be clear. But at t. Rowe price, we can help guide your retirement savings. So wherever your
retirement journey takes you, we can help you reach your goals. Call us or your advisor t. Rowe price. Invest with confidence. And we are back. Msnbc up to you hall, with Ohio Governor john kasich. Were in st. Helens church in queens. Howard beach neighborhood. Lets go to the questions, governor. Its nina de blasio. Any relation . No relation. There you go. I think we know the Approval Rating of mayor deblase a blasio in this room. Go ahead. Thank you for coming to howard beach and putting us on the map in a positive perspective. My question is it, i am a donald trump supporter. I feel he has a strong vision in keeping our great country safe. I also believe he will defend christianity in a world where others want to defeat it. Yes, at times, he does speak rough around the edge. But he brings to the