John Kasich says his inspiration was ‘God’ after his parents were killed by a drunk driver

His new campaign advert is unique in that it pulls on the heartstrings

Mr Kasich's campaign has been given a boost since New Hampshire (Getty)

Some presidential hopefuls preach about policy. Others brag about past achievements. Many fight each other. John Kasich prefers to pull on the heartstrings.

In his new campaign video, the 63-year-old Ohio governor Kasich has revealed his humble beginnings - his father was a postman - and how he turned to God after both his mother and father were killed in a road accident.

The advert is proof that his campaign has been given a breath of fresh air after scoring second place in the New Hampshire primary with 15.8 per cent of the Republican vote. Now he will be gearing up for the South Carolina primary on 20 February.

He had less national name recognition than his colleagues but he diligently visited many small coffee shops and halls in New Hampshire to shore up support and offer an alternative vote to outspoken Mr Trump.

Many presidential candidates have pulled out of the race after failing to shine in either Iowa or New Hampshire.

The departure of Mr Kasich's colleagues - Chris Christie, Rick Santorum, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee and Rand Paul - has not resulted in the exit of the most softly-spoken Republican.

Unlike many Republicans, Mr Kasich, who was endorsed by the New York Times, has let his record of achievement in Ohio speak for itself, and he has deferred from making inflammatory remarks about immigrants.

“My father was a postman that told me Johnny, you stand on your own two feet. You go out there and change the world," he said in the video.

“My parents were killed by a drunk driver but my parents did not die in vain - I was transformed. I discovered my purpose by discovering the Lord. I believe the Lord put us on this Earth to use the gifts we’ve been given to bring about a healing.”

Governor Kasich’s main theme of religion has been a strong trend among the Republican candidates, leading critics to say that a speech by Ted Cruz was more like a preacher than the next President.

Previous campaign videos from fellow Republicans featured many mentions of being the next "Commander in Chief" and focused on issues like immigrants, including one video from Ted Cruz which showed suited and booted immigrants jumping over sand dunes.

Ted Cruz pulled his latest advert that featured adult film actress Amy Lindsay accusing rival Marco Rubio of just being "a pretty face".