John Kasich calls prospect of endorsing Donald Trump 'painful'

WASHINGTON, June 16 (UPI) -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich said Thursday he is still not prepared to support presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in the general election, calling the situation "painful."

Asked by Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough whether other top Republican leaders should rethink their endorsements of Trump in the wake of controversial comments about a federal judge and in the aftermath of the Orlando, Fla., shooting, Kasich said he doubts leaders in Washington care what he thinks.

"You know, it's painful. It's painful," Kasich said. "But we'll see where it ends up. I'm not making any final decision yet, but at this point, I just can't do it."

Kasich said he believes House Speaker Paul Ryan is "torn" over supporting Trump and the Republican Party and what he believes is the right path for the country.

"I would say that I think Paul Ryan is definitely torn. I mean, he's also the leader of the House. There's this thing called Republican loyalty. I've been a Republican all my life, how do you think I feel about this?" Kasich asked. "I'm the Republican governor of Ohio. It's difficult."

Kasich said the list of "outrageous things" Trump has said was "getting taller."

Asked what Trump could do to turn it around and earn his support, Kasich replied "Well, I don't know."