WESTERVILLE, Ohio — It’s a new way to cover newsmakers. You want transparency, right? Let's be clear, then.
"Let's Be Clear" is all about transparency. WKYC has a clear, mobile newsroom that we're taking across the state over the next few weeks to talk to those making headlines in Ohio. Whether you agree with the guest, disagree, or are a fan of them, we know you have questions for them.
So you’re going to be the one asking the questions. Write in what you want to know and our Will Ujek will pose it to them… live. You can tweet questions with #3LetsBeClear or leave them on our Facebook page.
On Monday, we took the clear truck down to Otterbein University, where we sat down with former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who discussed what he's been up to since leaving office, what he thinks is the nation's greatest obstacle and the future of the Lordstown General Motors plant.
Kasich's remained busy since his term ended and Mike DeWine took over. Earlier this month, he joined CNN as a political commentator, though he's remained mum on whether he'll make a 2020 presidential run.
"I really don't know," Kasich said of 2020. "I mean, the politics is ever-changing and my options are still on the table but it's time to kind of move on with some things."
He said he has not assembled an exploratory committee for 2020.
"Here's what I do know," Kasich added. "If I don't think I can win, then it'd be no purpose to running."
Kasich said he still considers himself a conservative and a Republican, despite his outspoken stance against President Donald Trump. Serving as Ohio's governor, he said, provided him the opportunity to define Ohio's Republican party.
"People have to realize the Republican party was my vehicle and never my master," he said.
Kasich also said the country's division is its biggest issue at this point, noting he recently penned a Washington Post op-ed with Hillary Clinton on illegal wildlife trade.
"We need to pull ourselves together and we can get that done," Kasich said.
When it comes to Trump, Kasich reiterated that he doesn't back the president but also doesn't want to increase the country's divide.
"I don't call names," Kasich said. "I don't agree with him. I didn't vote for him. I didn't support him and I'm disappointed we have so much division."
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam didn't help the country's conversation on race and division when an alleged photo of Northam wearing blackface surfaced last week. Northam first apologized, but later denied that it was him in the photo.
Kasich said he believes Northam should step down, as the controversy is a confusing distraction for someone in high public office.
"I think he's going to have to go for a variety of reasons, most particularly now because he's not going to be very effective," Kasich said.
When it comes to saving the Lordstown GM plant, which is currently set to close in March, Kasich said he hasn't had recent talks with any GM officials but he believes the location can remain open, whether it's sold to another manufacturer or another vehicle replaces the Chevrolet Cruze.
"I really think that General Motors should've thought a little more about what they're going to do with these folks," Kasich added. "If you're going to let people go, this is a modern era, how are you going to train them, give them an opportunity to learn something in another area? I know they're saying, well you can go to work in other plants. OK, that's fine, but people aren't going to move all across the country to do this. Maybe they should have had a plan right with them when they said this plant's going to close."