John Kasich: 'Respect' is the major thing missing in Washington

(Image credit: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

published 12 April 2016

John Kasich said he believes the one thing "killing us" in Washington is a "lack of respect for people who don't think the way you think."

The Republican presidential candidate and governor of Ohio appeared at a CNN town hall Monday night, flanked by his wife, Karen, and teenage daughters. The family was asked how Kasich shows respect at home, and Karen said that he respects the values and views of both Republicans and Democrats. "It's very interesting to just appreciate people for who they are," Kasich followed up. "When I say respect, even if I don't agree with you, I've gotta respect your position, unless you're a crook or a bum or something. Over time, we'll find something we can do together."

The problem in Washington, he continued, is that respect is missing, and compromise is considered a dirty word. "It's ridiculous," he said. "Where in life do we not compromise? You don't have to compromise your principle, but my way or the highway doesn't work. You have to listen to what other people say. It doesn't mean you have to go along."

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.