Kasich attacks Trump, says Biden won't 'turn sharp left,' at start of Democratic convention

Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich said Monday at the Democratic National Convention that the party's presidential nominee, Joe Biden, won't "turn sharp left" if elected. 

Kasich said he's known Biden for 30 years as a "man of faith" and a unifier who understands the hopes and dreams of "common" men and women.

He also used his brief virtual speech to again attack President Trump, who defeated him in the 2016 GOP presidential primary.

"I'm proud of my Republican heritage," Kasich said. "It's the party of Lincoln, who reflected its founding principles of unity and a higher purpose but what I have witnessed these last four years belies those principles." 

"I'm sure there are Republicans and independents who couldn't imagine crossing over to support a Democrat. They fear Joe may turn sharp left and leave them behind. I don't believe that because I know the measure of the man reasonable, faithful, respectful and you know, no one pushes Joe around. Joe Biden is a man for our times," he also said.

Biden, a moderate, has sparked concern among mainstream Democrats for having incorporated some elements of the party's most liberal wing into his platform.

Kasich said there are issues on which he disagrees with Biden but "that's OK because that's America."

"Whatever our differences we respect one another as human beings," he continued. "I know Joe Biden, with his experience, and his wisdom and his decency can bring us together to help us find that better way."