At first look, Spencer Cox, the Republican governor of Utah, appears to be a throwback to Nineteen Fifties America and the age of Dwight Eisenhower.
Slender, affable and earnest, Cox exudes well mannered deportment, managed depth and quiet competence. His message of civility and respect echoes from a distant, even quaint, time. Nonetheless, Cox believes these conventional values may be mixed with a constructing and progress agenda. America, he usually says, ought to as soon as once more develop into a nation of architects, not of arsonists.
Cox is satisfied that the central situation confronting statesmen and stateswomen is to revive a tradition of civility to American life and promote passionate and respectful discourse.
“Disagreeing better isn’t just about being nicer to one another — it’s about finding a way to disagree that moves us toward solutions rather than deepening divides,” he stated.
Cox has been in public service for many of his grownup profession. A sixth-generation Utahn, he has served as a metropolis council member, mayor, county commissioner, state legislator, lieutenant governor and now governor.
In his 2020 gubernatorial marketing campaign, he edged previous Jon Huntsman, a preferred former governor, within the Republican major after which simply defeated his Democratic opponent, Christopher Peterson.
Nonetheless, Cox catapulted into the nationwide highlight that yr with a putting marketing campaign innovation. Nervous about America’s darkening political local weather within the aftermath of the police homicide of George Floyd, partisan recriminations associated to the pandemic and ominous electoral warnings by President Donald Trump, Cox invited Peterson to be part of him in a marketing campaign advert that modeled civility. Within the midst of a aggressive race, the 2 males jousted with good humor and style. They acknowledged that they disagreed on many points however revered one another and would honor the end result of the election. They conveyed a message that has all however disappeared from American politics: that elections are contests between rivals, not enemies. The advert went viral and has been seen practically 300,000 instances on YouTube.
Wholesome battle
This expertise influenced Cox’s resolution because the 2023-24 chair of the Nationwide Governors Affiliation to ascertain “How to Disagree Better: Healthy Conflict for Better Policy” as his signature initiative.
He thought of extra apparent points reminiscent of well being care prices and power however concluded that no main drawback in the USA might be solved till Individuals regain their means to talk, and pay attention, to one another respectfully.
“This isn’t just another civility initiative; it’s not just about being nice to each other, although we desperately need more of that,” he stated in describing this system. “It is relearning how to disagree the right way, how to have debate, how to stay true to your principles, your core values, without demeaning and tearing apart the other side and, in so doing, actually find out where there is common ground, where we can meet each other to solve problems.”
The Disagree Higher initiative explored strategies to decrease rigidity and cut back polarization. About 20 state governors recorded movies with leaders from the opposite social gathering. Cox additionally consulted specialists who examine polarization and battle decision for coverage steerage. Now an impartial nonprofit, Disagree Higher features a free parenting toolkit to assist households learn to handle disagreements.
Cox believes that governors, whom he calls “doers and builders,” are in a novel place to mannequin wholesome debate and constructive disagreement. Members of Congress, he stated, are extra accustomed to preventing than coming collectively and discovering options.
Cox is troubled by the coarsening of American political life that’s partly fueled by limitless battle on cable TV and in social media. Nonetheless, he’s heartened by analysis that reveals most Individuals strongly disapprove of the present state of affairs. “They’re desperate for something different,” he advised New York Occasions columnist Ezra Klein. “And neither party is offering them an opportunity for anything different.”
Cox’s willingness to criticize his personal social gathering and attain out to Democrats has triggered some GOP criticism and persuaded him that he might by no means win a Republican presidential nomination, though he insists he has by no means aspired for the presidency.
The governor continues to deal with options and sensible recommendation for a weary and divided nation.
Discovering off ramps
First, he requires extra face-to-face conversations with folks from completely different walks of life and political views. Battle is simple and infrequently venomous when it happens on-line. Speaking to actual human beings, he believes, is elevating and good for the soul.
Second, he recommends that folks be part of civic teams and volunteer for neighborhood initiatives, observing that service creates bonds and forges enduring relationships.
Third, the governor urges a return to a time when political affiliation was a part of our id however not the central means we outlined ourselves and seen others. “Politics is important, but it should not define us or destroy our relationships,” he stated.
Fourth, he suggests we domesticate uncared for virtues reminiscent of endurance, moderation and humility. These qualities aren’t all the time rewarded within the market however are essential for honorable dwelling.
As governor, Cox urges respect and tolerance in addition to a dedication to constructing and progress, which he believes can start at residence. He recommends that adults problem younger folks to not change the world however slightly to revitalize their neighborhoods and communities. And deal with others with dignity.
“We definitely need more kindness in our public interactions,” he advised Klein. “We definitely need more peacemakers and bridge builders. We need more people with compassion and sympathy toward people we disagree with. We need more people breaking bread with one another and sitting down together.”
Cox’s plea for architects and builders is a compelling instance of, and passionate cry for, statesmanship.
John T. Shaw is director of the Paul Simon Public Coverage Institute. His most up-to-date guide is “The Education of a Statesman: How Global Leaders Can Repair a Fractured World.” ©2025 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content material Company.
