No matter your party or political persuasion, it is undeniable that American politics has taken on a tenor of anger and pessimism. This national mood has made American politics atoxic stew of rage, discontentment and despair. Many Americans don’t feel that the reforms they would like to see in their government are possible.
These trends can map closely with partisan control of the White House, but that does not change the fact that this anger is real and can have a tangible effect. It is concerning that partisans have a more unfavorable view of the opposite party than they do of Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
We all have a role to play in restoring civility, decency and respect. Our politicians must be models of that behavior. While it is easy to find examples of politicians in both parties failing in that duty, it is the duty of all citizens to live up to the legacy we have been given, even when our leaders fail.
Importance of civility
Although it may not always seem like it, American politics is built upon respect and cooperation between all political parties. For example, the filibuster is a tool in the U.S. Senate that allows for unlimited debate on certain topics, with the only way to invoke cloture, or close debate, being for 60 Senators to vote in favor of ending the debate. Since 1913, a party has been capable of invoking cloture on its own for a grand total of 14 years.
What this really means is that if anything major was to get done in American politics, beyond passing a budget, in 99 of the past 113 years, both Democrats and Republicans (and the occasional third party representative) had to agree. Compromise and writing legislation that both parties can support is paramount. We can see this today in how little major legislation passes through the Senate, even if it makes it through the House. Even the major legislation that does pass is passed under a special rule (called reconciliation) that specifically removes the ability to filibuster.
If the two parties cannot make agreements on certain policies, build legislative coalitions and work in a way that can overcome a filibuster (or a presidential veto), our entire legislative apparatus as a country is frozen in place. Today, America faces crises on multiple fronts. A debt crisis looms. War rages in Europe and the Middle East. Americans increasingly feel they cannot afford essentials. Without Congress, America cannot address these issues in a meaningful way. Limits can restrict and even revoke executive orders. The president, regardless of party, cannot simply wish the problems away. Fundamentally, we need Congress to do its job if America is to address the issues facing the nation. For Congress to act, legislators need to acknowledge issues where they can work with the other side.
Utah as a leader
We must see civility between our elected officials and when Americans discuss politics with one another. Violent rhetoric has surged dramatically on social media in recent years. People spend roughly 10% of their time every day on social media. This increases the risk of normalizing violent rhetoric. Increasingly, public officials are targeted with this rhetoric. This corrosive attitude toward fellow Americans does not just plague the inboxes of public officials but has been aimed at every member of the opposite party purely because of their affiliation.
By seeing partisans from the other party as malicious enemies instead of political opponents, Americans further divide themselves. This is a problem. For one thing, Americans are less likely to have friends from different political parties. In a nation struggling with loneliness, cutting off roughly 50% of the people who vote for the other party is a bad idea. Additionally, dividing ourselves like this and believing that the other side is less intelligent, closed-minded and unpatriotic is going to provide electoral fuel to politicians who reflect this polarized, uncivil view.
Civility and humane leadership still fill American politics. Utahns should be proud of this leadership and continue to focus on it. Governor Spencer Cox (R-UT) served as the head of the National Governors Association in 2023 and started Disagree Better. Disagree Better is now a national independent non-profit that works to promote effective communication between both parties. In the spirit of Disagree Better, Governor Cox remained above the fray after the murder of Charlie Kirk. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) joined the campaign to release a video alongside Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) promoting dialogue and cooperation. The campaign recognizes that democracy requires lawmakers to cooperate on issues even though they may not agree.
Opponents, not enemies
Fundamentally, American politics requires compromise. In fact, the Founding Fathers intended for our politics to avoid the partisan rancor we have fallen into. As we approach our 250th anniversary as a nation, we must find it within ourselves to recognize that those who disagree with us are not our enemies but merely opponents.
You do not have to agree with an opposing party. You do not have to and should not compromise on every issue. But there will be areas in which opponents will agree. Reform is impossible if we continue to fight for every inch. For the sake of our country, our state and your dinner table during the holidays, take a moment to consider the other side. Understand what they believe. Take a moment to have discourse, not discord.
