For millions of people across the globe, including many right here in the United States, the consequences of man-made global warming and climate change are a daily fact of life (Hi, California), but according to Ohio governor and Republican presidential candidate John Kasich, it's just "some theory" that is out there.
Amusingly, Meet the Press host Chuck Todd invoked a Time Magazine article comparing Governor Kasich to Pope Francis during his interview yesterday, but Kasich apparently did not appreciate the comparison.
Kasich distanced himself from the Pontiff on economic issues and environmental ones. “I think that man absolutely affects the environment, but as to whether, what the impact is… the overall impact — I think that’s a legitimate debate.”
He then added: “We don’t want to destroy people’s jobs, based on some theory that is not proven.”
Pope Francis believes excess and greed are sins and that man-made climate change is real. No Republican currently running for higher office would welcome a positive comparison to him.
A Gallup survey conducted last month found Pope Francis' approval rating dropped by 27 percent among American conservatives. Gallup attributed the decline to his denunciation of "the idolatry of money."
Did God speak to each Republican presidential candidate but not the Pope?
The overwhelming majority -- virtually every scientist -- agrees that man-made global warming and climate change is an existential threat.