Pataki endorses Kasich: 'He can unite us and govern'

Former NY governor and presidential candidate goes 'On the Record' to explain why he believes OH Gov. Kasich is his choice for the White House

This is a rush transcript from "On the Record," April 14, 2016. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.

GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOX NEWS HOST: This is a Fox News alert. The 2016 New York Republican gala is on. All three GOP presidential candidates about to take the stage.

But right now, former 2016 GOP candidate, former New York governor George Pataki, is here to make his 2016 endorsement.

Governor, welcome, and tell me who you are endorsing.

GEORGE PATAKI, FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Hi, Greta. It is a wild night here in New York. And I am looking forward to the rest of the night.

I thought about it long and hard and I have decided I am going to endorse Governor John Kasich for president. Two things. First of all, the Republicans have to win. I do not believe Hillary Clinton is fit to be president of the United States. John Kasich is the candidate who doesn't just beat Hillary Clinton he trounces her and will help us to regain Washington.

And the second thing, Greta, is once we win, you have to be able to govern. Our country is divided not because of the people but because of the politicians. And John Kasich has a history of bringing people together, together and governing successfully. So, he will win this race if he is our nominee. And if he gets that chance, he will be an excellent president who moves America forward together.

VAN SUSTEREN: All right. In the event he doesn't win, are you saying that Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz could not govern or just that they are not your first choice?

PATAKI: Well, I don't think Donald Trump should be president of the United States. I don't think he is going to be president of the United States. And if he is our nominee, I fear he is going to drive the Republican Party off a cliff.

I just happen to think that John Kasich is uniquely positioned. He balanced the budget when he was in Washington. He has been a very effective governor in Ohio working to create jobs and move that state forward. And he has the right vision for the future of our country. So, plus he wins the race. So, there is no question in my mind he is the right person not just for Republicans. He is the right person for America. And I urge all New York Republicans to come out on Tuesday and support John Kasich.

VAN SUSTEREN: All right. We only have 30 seconds left. Why has he only won one state?

PATAKI: Well I think you just have seen a tremendous attention that Donald Trump gets about everything. But I think ultimately people are Republicans at the convention are going to say, who can win this race? It is Governor John Kasich. Who can govern and bring us together successfully? it is Governor John Kasich. Who can protect us and get more jobs for working Americans? It is Governor John Kasich. So I am going to do whatever can I to help him win this nomination and the election.

VAN SUSTEREN: All right, Governor. Thank you. And I will let you go back to your gala. Thank you, sir for joining us.

PATAKI: Thank you, Greta. Great being on with you.