Says multi-party system a possibility

Ohio Gov. John Kasich says that he thinks the two-party system could be in its last days.
Kasich, a Republican, was interviewed by journalist John Karl on Friday, along with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, for a segment which aired on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday.

The two governors have struck up an alliance and have made several joint appearances throughout the country, calling for more bipartisanship.

The work of the two two-term governors have led many to believe they could be organizing a unity ticket bid for the 2020 presidential race, though both have both denied any such plans.

“We may be beginning to see the end of the two party system,” Kasich said, when asked about future elections. “I’m starting to really wonder if we’re going to see a multi-party system at some point in the future in this country, because I don’t think either party is answering people’s deepest concerns and needs.”

Hickenlooper and Kasich both agreed in their prediction that Democrats will make gains in this fall’s midterm elections.

“I expect the midterm elections to be a — a reflection largely of the (Donald) Trump presidency and we’ll see how that pans out,” Hickenlooper said. “But I think the midterms — I mean that’s an election moment, right, that’s going to me a kind of a referendum on the success of the administration.”

Kasich, however, said he feels the Democrats have not offered a clear agenda in contrast to Trump and Republicans.

“You know, people want me to criticize my party,” Kasich, who opted not to endorse Trump in 2016, said. “Let me tell you about Democrats. I have no clue what they stand for. And we are heading into a midterm election where they are counting on the Republicans bouncing the basketball off of their foot out of bounds. And they’re going to have a decent 2018, a good year.”

Kasich said newer voters were frustrated with the lack of agenda of both parties.

“That’s exactly why I’m saying that our young people are fed up and why I’m saying that the prospect of a multiparty system in this country is a real possibility,” he said.

Karl asked the two governors, who leave office next year, about the rumors of a 2020 presidential run.

“We’re going to focus on finishing strong and we’ve got a lot to do,” Hickenlooper said of the potential for him to enter the race. “So what I’m doing is I haven’t formed a PAC, I don’t have committees all over the country, I’m not –“

Karl cut Hickenlooper off to ask press the question.

“So it’s — it’s not a yes but it’s not a no, it’s a maybe?” he asked.

“Exactly,” Hickenlooper said.

He then asked Kasich if he was running for president.

“Of the Lions Club,” the governor joked, before answering. “John, I have no idea what I’m going to do. I’d like to have a voice, I’d like to be constructive, I like it to rally people. But frankly, in the end — at the end of the day, it’s in the hands of the Lord as to what my future is.”

Kasich said he had no intention at this time to challenge Trump in the Republican primaries.

“I don’t think about it,” Kasich said. “You know what? Because I can’t predict the future and I can’t do what is going to be expected of me at some level to serve my country.”