Kasich: 'Political Parties Disintegrating Before Our Very Eyes'

The nation's political parties are "disintegrating before our very eyes," Ohio Gov. John Kasich said Sunday, but that doesn't mean he's planning to turn into a Democrat.

"I think more and more people across this country see no purpose for political parties," Kasich, a GOP presidential candidate who held on until nearly the end of the primary races, told NBC "Meet the Press" anchor Chuck Todd."You talk to people and they're more and more Independents because of the squabbling."

There is too much "consumption" about who gains what politically on issues, and Kasich said that kind of focus turns is dangerous.

"Life is short, and if all you focus on in life is what's in it for me, you're a loser," said Kasich. "You are a big-time loser. This country better be careful we're not losing the soul of our country, because we play politics and we forget people who are in need."

However, when Todd asked Kasich if he'd still be a Republican, if he was a private citizen and not an elected official, Kasich flatly refused switching parties.

"I'm not going to be a Democrat because the problem is they're top-down people," said Kasich, while Republicans work "from the bottom up."

At this point, though, Republicans are busy trying to fulfill campaign promises rather than putting people first, complained Kasich.

That applies to the American Health Care Act as well, Kasich.

"I would say in this bill you have to be in a position where you reform the system, but you don't leave people behind," said Kasich. "You just can't do it because these are people that could be in your family, live right next door to you."

Still, the governor said he's also not ready to join with independents.

"I'm a Republican because I'm a conservative," the governor said. "We have to examine our beliefs and philosophy."

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