Kasich talks tough on cybersecurity at Iowa forum

SIOUX CITY, Ia. — Ohio Gov. John Kasich says the United States needs to make it clear it won’t stand by idly if this country is targeted by other nations for cyberattacks and cyber espionage.

“People have to know that if you are going to mess with us, that not only are we in a position to defend ourselves, but also to come back at them,” Kasich told about 100 people who attended a national security forum here Saturday at Morningside College.

Kasich, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, was asked about cybersecurity in the wake of President Barack Obama’s meetings this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Obama said Friday that the two nations have reached a “common understanding” against certain cyber activities, but he doesn’t believe their work is done.

Kasich spoke at an event sponsored by Americans for Peace, Prosperity and Security, which is hosting a series of meetings with presidential candidates. He said he doesn’t want to declare China an enemy of the U.S., but he also doesn’t believe anyone should view their relationship through rose-colored glasses. He said he favors a policy of "trust, but verify" on national security issues.

His policy agenda calls for modernizing the U.S. military and taking a tough stance on China’s military build-up in the South China Sea. But Kasich, a former congressman who chaired the House Budget Committee, also said there is plenty of waste in the Pentagon “and we need to clean it up.”

Regarding the U.S. nuclear agreement with Iran, Kasich said American leaders “need to be calm and steady about this.” If Iran violates the deal, sanctions should be placed back on Iran, he believes.

He also said it’s in no one’s best interest to have Iran obtain a nuclear weapon.

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“The military option is a high priority when it comes to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. … I don’t want to say any more than that because I may end up becoming president,” Kasich added.

Asked about the threat of ISIS, Kasich said he favors having American “boots on the ground” in cooperation with allies to destroy ISIS, and then bringing U.S. troops home.

Regarding Russia, Kasich said he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a “bully” and he favors arming Ukraine.

Several in the crowd said afterward that Kasich made a good impression with a straightforward approach that was devoid of political punch lines often heard on the campaign trail.

“He came off to me as a no-nonsense guy, very pragmatic,” said Morningside sophomore James Farnan, 19, who is majoring in political science and American history.

Later Saturday, Kasich spoke at an annual hog roast fundraiser at the Westfair complex in Pottawattamie County for state Rep. Mary Ann Hanusa, R-Council Bluffs, who is chairing his Iowa presidential campaign.

The governor told a crowd of about 150 people that the Republican Party needs a better tone and should be more inclusive, and he made it clear he won't pull punches in revising defense programs and reducing the federal budget if he's elected to the White House. "I am a mainstream conservative and basically I am a reformer," he said.

As Kasich was wrapping up a question-and-answer session in Council Bluffs, two animal rights activists unfurled a banner showing baby pigs that said "We want to live."

A man who identified himself as Matt Johnson, 29, of Iowa City asked Kasich why it was OK to kill pigs for food when people who have pets wouldn't eat their cats and dogs. The crowd booed the two activists, and Kasich dismissed them, saying, "Look, I am pro-agriculture."

After Johnson kept trying to question Kasich, the two activists were escorted to the parking lot by Hanusa's supporters. Johnson said he was representing a group called "Direct Action Everywhere." He was joined by Stephanie Gentry, 27, of Des Moines, who said she is a student at Des Moines Area Community College.

AT THE EVENTS

SETTINGS: Lincoln Center Building, UPS Auditorium, at Morningside College in Sioux City, and the Westfair complex in Council Bluffs,where he spoke at a hog roast fundraiser for state Rep. Mary Ann Hanusa, R-Council Bluffs.

CROWD: About 100 people, including interested people from the community and some students, in Sioux City; and about 150 at the Council Bluffs fundraiser.

REACTION: Kasich was well received in Sioux City, and most people applauded when he finished. As he wrapped up his remarks, he picked up and held 1-year-old Zoey McGregor, the granddaughter of audience member Mary Clark of Holstein, who looked thrilled at the attention from a presidential candidate, He also got a positive reception in Council Bluffs, where he closed his remarks by talking about Pope Francis' message of hope in visiting the U.S.

WHAT'S NEXT: Kasich was making a one-day campaign trip to Iowa on Saturday with stops in Sioux City and Council Bluffs. He returns to Iowa Wednesday for a forum at St. Ambrose University in Davenport and for a town hall meeting in Cedar Rapids at the Iowa Startup Accelerator.