Kasich to publish ‘Two Paths,’ a book offering a contrast to Trump’s America

(Photo courtesy of Office of John Kasich)

Ohio Gov. John Kasich is publishing a book this spring that outlines his vision for an America based on tolerance and inclusion, which is expected to draw sharp contrasts with the state of the country under President Trump.

The book, titled “Two Paths: America Divided or United,” builds upon the themes of Kasich’s 2016 presidential campaign, when he unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination. Kasich delivered an uplifting, Reaganesque speech ahead of the New York primary entitled “Two Paths,” which was widely interpreted as an attack on Trump, then the front-runner.

In a primary field of 17, Kasich was Trump’s last remaining opponent, and the Ohioan resisted Trump’s candidacy throughout the general election. He wrote in the name of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) rather than cast his ballot for Trump.

Since the campaign, Kasich has been busy governing and working on his book, which will be published on April 25 by the Thomas Dunne Books imprint of St. Martin’s Press.

In an excerpted passage provided to The Washington Post, Kasich does not mention Trump by name. But the president and the rancor left by his campaign is unmistakably the subject — and the author seems to leave the door open to running for president again.

Kasich writes, “Maybe like me you’ve become frustrated at the tone of our national conversation. How did this happen? When did this happen? And, what are we going to do about it?”

He goes on to write, “We've got to recognize that the very real problems facing this country cannot be ignored. We cannot be confused or distracted by bitterness and rancor. We cannot allow exclusion to take the place of inclusion. We cannot accept distorted truths and half-baked notions simply because they make us feel good — or, because they make us forget for a moment how we really feel. We must hold fast to our principles as a society, because without them we're lost. The way forward is to focus on our shared moral compass — the one that points us to honesty, integrity, personal responsibility, faith, humility, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance — that will get us back on track.”

The book is partly a memoir and partly a call to arms for a better and more united country.

Kasich is expected to recount his political career, including his 2016 campaign, and discuss how faith guides his life. But he also takes on such subjects as media bias, congressional gerrymandering, the proliferation of “fake news” and the “ramifications of living in a post-truth environment,” according to his publisher.

“Two Paths” will be Kasich’s fourth book. He has written three New York Times best-selling books: “Courage is Contagious,” “Stand for Something: The Battle for America’s Soul” and “Every Other Monday.”

Publishing rights for “Two Paths” were acquired by Thomas Dunne, with Jenny Bent of The Bent Agency representing Kasich. Stephen S. Power is the project’s editor.