John Kasich eschews traditional debate prep for basketball
For Republican presidential candidate John Kasich, last-minute preparations ahead of Tuesday night's GOP debate in Milwaukee entailed fine-tuning his free throw and finessing his perimeter shot.
The Ohio governor joined members of the Milwaukee Bucks at a morning shootaround at the team's St. Francis, Wisconsin training facility. Kasich's visit elicited little fanfare from most Bucks players, as he spent time primarily shooting free throws with forward John Henson and jumpers with Chris Copeland, one of the best shooters in the NBA.
The shootaround was arranged by Bucks executive Jake Suski, a staffer on John McCain's presidential bid in 2008.
Kasich, while perhaps not exhibiting a "like Mike" basketball prowess, made a considerable number of his shots and was able to keep up with Copeland. In a gray t-shirt and running shorts, Kasich frequently clenched his fist and exclaimed "yes!" after sinking a free throw. At practice's end, he spoke privately with Bucks head coach Jason Kidd, whom Kasich called a "great guy."
When asked why he eschewed traditional debate prep for basketball, Kasich told CBS News chief White House correspondent Major Garrett, "Because it's fun. Everything doesn't have to be so deadly serious."
CBS News' Arden Farhi contributed to this report.