Key Highlights
- Governors Josh Shapiro and Spencer Cox discussed political extremism and violence on a bipartisan panel.
- Cox praised Shapiro for handling the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination in Utah.
- Shapiro criticized Trump’s failure to condemn right-wing violence, citing the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally.
- The governors debated whether states should ban social media accounts for kids under 16 due to political divides.
Governors Address Political Violence in Bipartisan Panel
On Tuesday night, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Utah Governor Spencer Cox convened with “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie at the National Cathedral in Washington. The event aimed to address the growing concerns of political violence and extremism across the United States.
Building a Bridge Across Party Lines
The governors, known for their collaboration through the National Governors Association, shared insights on handling high-profile cases of political violence. Cox, speaking alongside Shapiro, highlighted his response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah earlier this year. “The first call I got after that very dark day was from Gov. Shapiro,” Cox recounted. “He advised me to speak with moral clarity and to speak from the heart. In that moment, we were two Americans struggling together.” This interaction underscored their mutual respect despite political differences.
Political Violence: A National Concern
Cox noted that research suggests the U.S. is on a long-term path towards civil war if course corrections are not made. He referenced an NBC News poll indicating that over 60% of registered voters see “extreme political rhetoric” as contributing to Kirk’s killing. Cox, however, expressed his reluctance to use such terminology, warning against its potential for incitement.
Shapiro echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a national conversation on political violence and condemning selective condemnation from either side of the aisle. He cited an incident where President Trump did not condemn right-wing violence after a conservative activist was killed in a shooting. “It should not be hard to follow the beautiful eulogy of Erika Kirk with an ‘amen’ instead of saying, ‘I can’t do that, I hate my enemies,’ as the president did,” Shapiro said.
Debating Social Media’s Role
The governors also discussed how social media algorithms exacerbate political divides. Cox called these companies “addictive and intentionally designed to be so,” while emphasizing their responsibility in profiting from harmful content. He advocated for bans on social media accounts for children under 16, arguing that the damage is too great. In contrast, Shapiro expressed concerns about overreach but supported educating young people about responsible use of digital platforms.
Shapiro highlighted efforts in Pennsylvania to promote digital literacy in schools, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between regulation and education. “We are working with our school districts to figure out the best policy on phone usage and what can be used,” he stated. “Young people should learn about these tools but also use them responsibly while holding companies accountable.”
Future Directions
The governors concluded their discussion by addressing whether either is running for president in 2028. Shapiro, seen as a Democratic contender, did not directly answer the question. Cox stated unequivocally that one of them would not be a presidential candidate.
This bipartisan conversation laid bare the complex challenges facing American politics and highlighted the need for collaborative solutions to address political violence and extremism. The event underscored the importance of leadership in bridging divides and fostering constructive dialogue across party lines.
