It is not often that a politician will actually stand for something. That John Kasich titles his book Stand For Something is indicitive of the type of politican that he is. There can be no doubt that Kasich is like a mountain in his adherance to his principles. This is both his greatest strength and largest weakness.While Kasich displays all of the socially conservative values that one might expect, his short-sightedness in defense is inexcusable. Kasich goes to great lengths several times in his book to remind us that he nearly killed the B2 stealth bomber, a crucial tool in our nation's arsenal. This alone, in my opinion, disqualifies him for high executive office on the national stage at least.
It isn't enough to merely have the best military on the planet, we must constantly be improving that military capability in order to maintain that status. The B2 stealth bomber was such a program. The original order was for about 200 stealth bombers; but thanks to Kasich's machinations, we are lucky to have the 20 or so that are in service today.
The book was well written and engaging both as a biography and as a study in leadership. If Kasich is hoping that the book will convert people who weren't already in his camp to begin with...he's in trouble. While Kasich is a FOX News host, he isn't really well known in Ohio. As more and more people learn of his committment to kill one of the best military assets that we have in the War on Terror, I just don't think people are going to be all that impressed with his insight and stubborness.
I suspect that Kasich wants to run for governor at some point. He's done the legislative bit and I think he wants to try the executive branch. He ran for president and got a taste for it. If Blackwell loses to Strickland, look for Kasich to be "drafted" to save the state. While he says otherwise, I'm not convinced that the book was not designed to revitilize his political career.
The title of the book is Stand For Something. Which makes it sound as if Kasich is willing to stand for anything so long as it is something. I think we've had enough leadership like that...
Final Analysis: Good read, but not something that should restart a political career.
