US political parties are disintegrating, Kasich warns

Former US presidential candidate and Ohio Governor John Kasich says both Republican and Democratic Parties are “disintegrating” because they are not offering anything to people.

“I believe the political parties are disintegrating before our very eyes. I think more and more people across this country see no purpose for political parties,” Kasich said on Sunday in an interview with Chuck Todd of NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“There are more and more independents because of the squabbling,” he continued. “What's at risk here to Democrats is you can't turn your back on these people. And to Republicans, you need to invite Democrats in because we're talking about lives.”

The Republican and Democratic Parties are able to take turns electing US presidents and controlling Congress because American system discourages people from supporting third parties, such as the Greens and Libertarians.

Third party candidates face major challenges in the United States, such as the failure to meet the criteria for ballot access. Due to debate access rules, they are even often excluded from participating in presidential debates.

According to political observers, the two major US political parties are heavily influenced by corporate money and the financial markets and lack the power to implement meaningful reforms in the country.

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Kasich, the former GOP candidate, called on Republicans to work with Democrats in order to pass legislation, such as the bill to replace Obamacare, in favor of American citizens. Without Democratic support, he suggested, the American Health Care Act will be unsustainable if it’s signed into law, he added.

“If you don't get both parties together, nothing is sustainable,” Kasich said. “I mean, if they pass this just by themselves, we'll be back at this again.”

The Ohio governor went on to say that failing to work together to improve the country’s health care system could have dire consequences.

“All this consumption with who gains politically — you know, life is short,” Kasich said. “And if all you focus on in life is what's in it for me, you're a loser. You are a big-time loser. And 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.”

The law, considered former President Barack Obama's top legislative achievement, has enabled over 20 million Americans who previously had no medical insurance to get coverage. Republicans condemn it as a government overreach.

During his presidential campaign, Trump said he would seek to repeal Obamacare if elected.

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