John Kasich’s Big Tent Presidential Strategy: ‘Black, Brown, White – It Doesn’t Matter'

— -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich is casting a wide net at the start of his presidential campaign, hoping to bridge racial and economic divides on his way to the Republican nomination.

“If you're poor, if you're black, if you're brown, if you're struggling, we care about you,” ABC News’ Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos in an exclusive interview. “And we're going to work to make sure you're included in the American dream.”

Kasich, the two-term governor of the critical swing state of Ohio, became the 16th candidate to join the race for the GOP nomination on Tuesday.

“I care about them. I want them to have a good life,” he continued. “I want their kids to have a good life: black, brown, white, doesn't matter, hurt, addicted, big trouble or rich.”

But when asked whether the Republican Party, which has struggled to garner votes from minority and low-income voters in past elections, was ready for that message, Kasich stood firm.

“I guess that doesn't matter, does it? I mean, that's my message,” he said. “I'm not going to change it.”

The move comes as some in the party worry that Donald Trump’s comments about immigrants being “criminals” and “rapists” don’t alienate Hispanic voters from the party.

Still, Kasich is currently polling at only two percent, which leaves him off the first debate stage in a tie for 12th place, according to Monday’s ABC News/Washington Post poll. Trump leads with 24 percent of GOP support.

Kasich isn’t the only GOP candidate reaching out to racial minority voters. Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio have been actively seeking Hispanic support, citing their experience in Florida. Meanwhile, Rand Paul and Rick Perry have been reaching out for support from African Americans.

“I don't think the country's red or blue,” Kasich said. “I think the country's America.”