Ohio Governor John Kasich was the guest of honor at Regent University’s second presidential forum of the year. During the forum, Gov. Kasich focused on balancing the budget and defeating ISIS. Though he was speaking at a university, student debt was only mentioned once towards the end of the Q&A session.
The forum was moderated by Regent University chancellor Pat Robertson. Additional questions were sent in by audience members, both in-person and online.
Given the recent tragedy in Paris, terrorism and the Syrian refugee crisis were heavily discussed. Kasich said if he were president he would implement no-fly zones. He also pledged to implement sanctuaries for refugee families to be housed until everything “settles down.”
Kasich further emphasized a need for a coalition with Arab countries, specifically with those that agree with Western ethics. As Kasich explained, Western ethics such as, free speech, equality of women, hope, and faith are under attack. He said it is not just a military war that we have to engage in, but “we have to engage in the war of ideas.”
Kasich also spent a significant amount of time talking about the one thing he is widely known for — helping balance the budget.
When he did dabble in conversation about college affordability, he explained that in order to cut tuition costs and help college students find jobs out of college, we must make sure that universities are not spending money on things like parking garages and the best food for their cafeterias, and instead are focusing on negotiating fair contracts and equipping students with the best tools and skills.
Despite being hosted by a university, the audience consisted mainly of an older generation of local community members. There were college students scattered throughout the auditorium and a handful of press at the event. Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell was also in attendance.
If Kasich’s goal was to reach out to college students, he largely failed due to poor student attendance and the lack of focus on student issues.
The presidential forums which are hosted by Regent University as part of the school’s Executive Leadership Series are expected to continue throughout the school year. As of yet, there is no word on who the next presidential candidate to visit the school will be.
