Michelle Obama to make campaign debut alongside Bernie Sanders and John Kasich at Democratic convention opener

The former first lady’s return to the national political spotlight is eagerly anticipated by Democrats, many of whom hoped Biden would pick her as his No. 2. But it’s the juxtaposition of Sanders and Kasich in Monday night’s We the People-themed programming that caught the attention of many political observers.

For University of Akron professor David Cohen, Kasich wasn’t an unexpected choice to be included in the Democratic convention’s lineup.

“Conventions often seek out members of the other party to speak in order to show how the nominee is willing to work with both sides of the aisle and be bipartisan in an attempt to win over centrist voters, independents, and those from the other side disaffected with their own party or nominee,” Cohen said.

Kasich didn’t attend the 2016 Republican National Convention, despite it being anchored in Cleveland while he was a governor after his own White House bid. And that fall, he declined to vote for President Trump, writing in then-Arizona Sen. John McCain on his ballot instead.

“From the Biden campaign’s perspective, Kasich is the perfect guy to highlight how far Trump’s Republican Party has moved in four years and how Biden can be a president to bring people together,” he said.

Kasich himself said 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,” he told CNN, describing Biden as “a pretty tough guy” who “can restore civility” but not “go hard left” like Sanders.

After being pushed back a month due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats will come together, mostly online, next Monday to Thursday from 9-11 p.m. EST. ABC, CBS, and NBC have committed to covering the last hour every night, while the cable networks are making arrangements for extended broadcasts.

Initial plans to hold some in-person events in host city Milwaukee, even Biden’s acceptance address, were scrapped last week as virus cases in the Midwest climbed. Rather, Biden and Harris will speak next Wednesday and Thursday from the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden’s home state where he’s been holed up during the outbreak.

Some on the schedule, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were given the option of making remarks “live to tape” or live in general.

“I’m so excited,” Pelosi said of opting to appear “live from California.”

Others with slots on Monday include former vice presidential contenders Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as well as Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, whose endorsement helped Biden win South Carolina and seize the majority of primary delegates, also has a spot. So too does New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whose national profile was boosted by his COVID-19 leadership in his state, and Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, who faces a tough reelection on Nov. 3.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues its rampage, tens of millions of people are out of work, and America is confronting the racial injustice that has marginalized too many people,” the Democratic convention committee wrote.

The panel added, “Throughout our history, when we stand united, we can overcome anything. On Monday, we’ll hear from the many Americans who are rising up to take on these three crises, unite our country, and join Joe Biden in rebuilding the country and moving it forward.”