Failed Presidential Candidate John Kasich: ‘I Have a Right to Define What It Means to Be a Conservative’ | Eastern North Carolina Now

Publisher's note: This post appears here courtesy of the The Daily Wire, and written by Daily Wire News.

    John Kasich, who ran a failed Republican presidential campaign in 2016, told CNN this week that he has a "right" to define what it means to be a conservative as he prepares to speak at the Democratic National Convention next week.

    CNN host Erin Burnett highlighted examples in the past of politicians who crossed over the aisle to endorse a presidential nominee from an opposing party and then asked Kasich if he was worried about being "blackballed" by the GOP.

    "I think I have a right to define what it means to be a conservative and that means a government when necessary not opposed to it that what the conservative movement ought to be is opportunity for everyone," Kasich said. "The Republican Party ought to be a party that has a positive message of lifting everyone."

    "But, you know, Erin, look. Leaders walk a lonely road. If you're not prepared to walk a lonely road and do the things that your conscience tells you to do, then how do you think about yourself when you look in the mirror?" Kasich continued. "I mean, I'm comfortable with the decisions I make. Of course, there's blowback. Republicans are critical. Some are praising me. Democrats are debating themselves. Should he be able to do this?"

    "But this is not an unusual place for me to be," Kasich added. "I've been a reformer almost all of my life. I've been very independent. I'm a Republican but the Republican Party has always been my vehicle but never my master. You have to do what you think is right in your heart and I'm comfortable here."