John Kasich

Ohio Gov. John Kasich delivers his State of the State address at the Sandusky State Theatre, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Sandusky, Ohio. Kasich promoted his new book "Two Paths: America Divided or United," during a CNN town hall on Monday, April 24, 2017 (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

(Ron Schwane, AP Photo)

Ohio Gov. John Kasich resurfaced in the national spotlight Monday night to let everyone know once and for all that it's unlikely he will run for president in 2020, or even for public office again.

But the lame duck governor said he can't close the door on another run, entirely.

"How do you close the door on anything? If I start closing the door on anything, and all the sudden, I see some duty that I have to perform?" Kasich said during a CNN town hall to promote his new book ""Two Paths: America Divided or United."

"If I see something I need to do to help my country, that I really believe I have to do, then I would think I would probably do it."

Read more takeaways from Kasich's CNN town hall below:

On Republicans and Trump

Kasich gave his moderate conservative brand a name: Kasich Republicans. Hopeful Republicans. Optimistic Republicans. The former GOP presidential candidate distanced himself from the Republican Party, and said he didn't take orders from the Republican National Committee.

Still, Kasich largely refrained from criticizing his former opponent President Donald Trump. He characterized Trump's performance so far in the White House as "incomplete."

"It's not even been 100 days, so you have to give a guy a chance," Kasich said. "He's never held public office before."

Joy Lane

Lane, the ex-girlfriend of Steve Stephens, asked Kasich about addiction.

Stephens, who is accused of shooting a 74-year-old stranger, Robert Godwin Sr., and then posting a video of the killing on Facebook on Easter Sunday, had a gambling problem, police said. Kasich has been vocal about helping addicts, particularly those hooked on opioids.

"Any of these addictions, any of these things that affect the brain are critically important," Kasich said. "I think the more we learn about the brain, the more we can learn what we can do to help solve some of these problems."

On the book tour

Kasich said he's not done with the national stage -- and that he's not quite ready to relinquish the platform he obtained during the presidential election. He said he's still got some thoughts about the direction of the country.

"That's why I feel so strongly and so passionately about traveling all over America," Kasich said. "You know, I have some other things to say, not just in Ohio but around the country, and I'm going to try to say them."