When it comes to choosing people for the VP slot on the ticket, there are many ‘rule sets’ that seem to be in play: does the candidate have dangerous baggage? (Read Sarah Palin.) Can they handle media scrutiny and interviews? (Again, Sarah …) Can they help deliver a battleground state? (Again, Sarah …) Do they move beyond the primary-important extremists to an appealing role for a broader range of the electorate? (Again, Sarah …)
Ohio Governor John Kasich just made a public statement clearly puts him outside the anti-science extremists dominant in the Republican party.
“This isn’t popular to always say, but I believe there is a problem with climates, climate change in the atmosphere,” Kasich told a Ross County Republican function on Thursday. “I believe it. I don’t know how much there is, but I also know the good Lord wants us to be good stewards of his creation. And so, at the end of the day, if we can find these breakthroughs to help us have a cleaner environment, I’m all for it.”
Notably, Kasich made this Creation-Care comment to a room full of Republican donors. The reporting gives no indication of the reaction to his comments. Clearly, however, Kasich’s comments took him away from the anti-science extremism dominating Republican politics, outside of today’s ‘mainstream Republican primary voter’ and into the mainstream of reality-based thinking.
Notably, unlike every single one of the Republican presidential candidates’ anti-science positions on climate change, Kasich just staked out a position that would appeal to Republicans who understand the scientific method and respect the scientific community when it comes to issues of climate change.
A political question to ponder: Does Kasich’s foray into reality-based thinking remove him from consideration for a slot on a Romney ticket?
Some policy questions to ponder: What does Kasich believe should be done to address climate change? And, how do Kasich’s actions as Governor and proposals stack up against climate change challenges?
Related: John Kasich, Don’t frack Ohio!