A commitment to civility

Politics don’t have to be a toxic brew of anger and hate. Let's make a vow to improve the quality of our lives — and the quality of our national discourse.

By

Opinion

November 2, 2020 - 9:26 AM

Utah's candidates for governor made news when they appeared in a series of videos appealing for civility. Image courtesy of @SpencerJCox, Twitter.

Civility in politics is now sufficiently rare that when Utah’s gubernatorial candidates appeared in a joint ad to urge Republicans and Democrats to treat one another with respect, it was considered news from coast to coast.

Republican Spencer Cox has a big lead over Democrat Chris Peterson, and Utah hasn’t elected a Democratic governor in 40 years. Those dynamics may make it easier for both men to show grace and class.

Still, we should applaud. 

Politics don’t have to be a toxic brew of anger and hate. It’s just easier — and often more effective — to take the low road.

Related
November 9, 2020
December 5, 2018
August 8, 2018
August 16, 2013