John R. Kasich, two-term Governor of Ohio (2011–19), will share insights about the future of the Republican party with the Cornell community on February 17. Kasich will be in a virtual conversation with former Congressman Steve Israel, director of the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs and professor of practice in the Department of Government. Questions from students and audience members will follow the dialogue. The virtual event will be held on February 17 at 5:45 p.m. and is open to those with a Cornell NetID. Registration is required.
“The mission of the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs is to provide the Cornell community with access to key thought leaders and decision-makers on both sides of the aisle,” Israel said. “While our topics range widely—from the rise of anti-Semitism and hate groups to building better infrastructure and Brexit—our particular interest lies in the state of American democracy today. Governor Kasich will provide an indelible perspective to our students on how we move forward after the Trump era.”
Governor Kasich has had a storied career in both the public and private sectors. He served as a member of Congress for 18 years, becoming chairman of the House Budget Committee. After leaving Congress in 2000, Kasich worked in investment banking at Lehman Brothers, at Fox News as a commentator and television host, and went on to write four New York Times bestselling books, including Two Paths: America Divided or United, with reflections on his 2016 run as Republican primary presidential candidate and his hopes for America’s future.
As Ohio’s governor, he was a leading voice in promoting bipartisan solutions to health care reform, immigration and international trade. He has been one of the few Republicans to advocate for Medicaid’s expansion. Kasich also closed an eight billion dollar budget shortfall without increasing taxes and is credited with improving the business climate, which created half a million jobs.
After his governorship, Kasich transitioned to becoming a senior political commentator on CNN. Nationally, Kasich is known as a moderate Republican who is not afraid to critique his party. He has often advocated for unity as the answer to our most common problems.
The Future of the Republican Party: A Conversation with John Kasich is sponsored by the Department of Government in the College of Arts and Science and made possible by support provided through the John H. Wisner Fund.
Jessica Ames is program coordinator for the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs.
