Op-Ed: I Tip My Cap to You, Joe Manchin

Gov. Kasich authored a column in the Wall Street Journal recognizing the courage of Democrat U.S. Senator Joe Manchin in standing up to his own party on eliminating the filibuster and on a partisan elections bill. Below is an excerpt. A subscription may be required to read the full text here.

"What rankled me then, and frustrates me as I watch what’s happening to Mr. Manchin, is that critics always ask the wrong question. Instead of asking, “Why won’t those troublemakers just do as they’re told?” why not think of it this way: “If they’re willing to take this much heat, do they see something I don’t?”

Courage is valued not because it’s common or easy—just the opposite. It brings risks to prosperity, reputation and even life and limb. No one wants to be in that position. Everyone would rather be loved. Therefore, when someone is willing to risk stakes that high, shouldn’t it make us pause for a moment? Taking it a step further, when someone takes a path that potentially comes with high costs, and we only respond with criticism, are we missing something amazing unfolding right before us that we say we value—courage?"