John Kasich, the governor of Ohio and Republican presidential candidate, has caused controversy a couple of times in recent months with remarks he's made that have been deemed offensive to women and minorities. Has he learned his lesson since then? Not quite.
During a town hall discussion in Dubuque, Iowa, on Tuesday, Kasich sought to explain his experience balancing his state's budget. Basically, he was trying to make the point that it's hard to do—*real* hard. But instead of talking about fiscal gains or budgetary cuts, he asked a woman in the crowd whether she had ever been on a diet. Yes, really.
News site Mic has the play-by-play on the interaction:
The Kasich campaign—which didn't respond to Marie Claire's request for comment—toldMic in a statement that Kasich "frequently poses that question to audiences...to bring home the need for us to stand up and call on the federal government to rein-in its spending."
Last month, Kasich insulted a young female student during a campaign stop at the University of Richmond, by responding to her raising her hand with, "I'm sorry, I don't have any Taylor Swift concert tickets."
In September, he tried to compliment Latinos, but ended up offering an awkward (and borderline insulting) reference to his hotel room's maid.
Back in 2012, Kasich appeared at a rally for then Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, telling the audience that the wives of politicians are at home "doing laundry" and "taking care of the kids" while men like him are making important speeches.
While none of Kasich's comments seem to be coming from a place of malice, does it really matter? Casual misogyny, sexism, and racism are still those things. In any case, asking if someone is on a diet is just a big NOPE all around.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
-
The Anthropologie Cyber Monday Sale Feels Like Stealing
Some of these sales are so good, the mind reels.
By Alicia Lutes
-
Chrissy Teigen and Daughter Luna's Hairstyling Bonding Moment Is the Cutest Thing
The Legend girls are big fans of the Dyson Airwrap.
By Sophia Vilensky
-
Dolly Parton’s Cheerleader Glam Was the Highlight of Thanksgiving Game Day
We know exactly who won this one.
By Sophia Vilensky
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
By Emily Cain
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
By Rachel Epstein
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
By Rona Akbari
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
By Ai-jen Poo
-
The Biden Administration Announced It Will Remove the Hyde Amendment
The pledge was just one of many gender equity commitments made by the administration, including the creation of the first U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
By Megan DiTrolio