Kasich: Bush's performance leaves door open
Some analysts say Ohio Gov. John Kasich is considering a presidential bid because Jeb Bush has failed to take command of the Republican race.
One of those analysts: John Kasich.
"I thought Jeb was just going to suck all the air out of the room, and it just hasn't happened," Kasich told New Hampshire business people Thursday.
Kasich quickly added: "No hit on Jeb! No hit on you, Jeb!"
Most polls show no clear front-runner in a Republican race that could have a dozen or more candidates. Kasich is expected to announce next month whether he will join in.
The Ohio governor sure sounded like a candidate in an interview with NPR News, but he said he would only move forward if he though he could win: "And I'm very optimistic about what we're seeing. I'm not going to give you any deadlines. We've not even imposed any self deadlines. But we are aware the clock is ticking."
"Asked about his odds in a crowded GOP primary field that could eventually broaden to 15 to 20 candidates, many of them with bigger names and bigger bucks, Kasich said 'I’m not going to have Bush money; Wells Fargo doesn’t have Bush money.' "