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At Notre Dame, Cox says it's time to turn down political temperature

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 16:44 GMT by deseret
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Spencer Cox Calls for “Common Ground” Amid Rising Political Violence

In a sharply worded op‑ed that has already sparked discussion across Utah’s political spectrum, Governor Spencer Cox—one of the most prominent Republican leaders in the state—has laid out a comprehensive, if cautious, roadmap for how Utah residents can confront a surge in political violence. Published on Deseret.com on September 19, 2025, the piece—titled “Spencer Cox: Political Violence Requires Common Ground”—draws on a mix of recent domestic incidents, expert commentary, and the governor’s own experiences in state politics to make a case for a collaborative, non‑partisan approach to a problem that has, in recent years, come to define much of the national conversation.

The Triggers

Cox opens with a brief but vivid summary of the events that have brought the issue to the forefront of public attention. He cites the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, the violent protests in Charlottesville, the “Stop the Steal” rallies that spilled into violent confrontations across the country, and, more recently, a series of clashes in Utah’s own capital. The governor notes that while Utah has traditionally been a safe haven from the sort of mass violent incidents that have plagued larger metropolitan centers, the state is not immune. He points out that the recent surge in “political mobs” in Salt Lake City and the violent altercations that erupted outside the Utah State Capitol during the 2024 election cycle illustrate a trend that cannot be ignored.

Cox also references several federal reports that have linked the rise of “ideological extremism” to the proliferation of firearms and the rapid spread of conspiracy theories online. By weaving these national statistics with the local context, he underscores the point that Utah’s political violence is part of a larger national trajectory—one that demands a thoughtful, community‑focused solution.

A Call for Dialogue

The central theme of Cox’s op‑ed is the idea of “common ground.” He argues that political violence is, at its core, a failure of communication. The governor says, “When we all stop listening to each other and start yelling over one another, that’s where the violence comes from.” Cox then goes on to outline a series of concrete steps that could help Utahans move away from an “us vs. them” mindset.

1. Community Forums
   Cox urges the state government to fund low‑cost community forums where residents of all political leanings can meet face‑to‑face. The governor stresses that these forums should be moderated by neutral parties—ideally non‑partisan local leaders—who can facilitate civil debate.

2. Educational Initiatives
   He calls for a partnership with Utah’s Department of Education to integrate civic education into school curricula. The proposal includes lessons on the democratic process, how to engage constructively with opposing viewpoints, and the dangers of extremist rhetoric.

3. Media Literacy Campaigns
   The governor notes the “influence of social media” on modern political polarization. Cox recommends a statewide media‑literacy initiative that would teach residents how to discern credible news sources, identify misinformation, and recognize the rhetorical tactics used by extremist groups.

4. Policing and Public Safety
   While Cox is not an outright critic of law enforcement, he does stress the importance of training officers to de‑escalate tense situations, especially when it comes to crowd control. He also proposes the creation of a joint task force that includes community leaders, psychologists, and law‑enforcement officials to address the underlying causes of political violence.

Linking to Broader Conversations

A notable feature of the article is its web of internal links to other Deseret.com stories that broaden the context. Among them is a link to a piece that tracks the rise of political polarization in Utah’s 2024 election, which Cox cites as evidence of the escalating divide. Another link takes readers to a feature on how social media platforms have altered the political discourse in the state, offering data on the most shared conspiracy videos on Utah‑based Facebook groups. These linked articles help ground Cox’s arguments in real‑world statistics and give readers a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to Utah’s current climate.

Critiques and Counterpoints

Cox does not shy away from criticism. He acknowledges that some of his suggestions—particularly those that involve increased state involvement in community discourse—might be viewed as an overreach by more conservative observers. In a paragraph dedicated to addressing potential backlash, Cox argues that the stakes are too high to ignore the concerns of either side. He states that “political violence is not a partisan issue; it’s a public safety issue.”

In addition to addressing the conservative critique, the governor also preemptively tackles the liberal side by emphasizing that his proposals do not aim to silence any group but instead seek to “build a platform for constructive dialogue.” Cox frames his policies as a way to restore the very democratic principles that many feel have been eroded.

The Bottom Line

The governor’s op‑ed is a clarion call for Utah to confront the unsettling reality of political violence head‑on. By focusing on “common ground” and proposing specific, actionable strategies, Cox attempts to move the conversation beyond rhetoric and into the realm of concrete solutions. He positions himself as a mediator—someone willing to bridge the ideological chasm that has become a fault line in American politics.

The piece has already sparked a flurry of reactions in Utah. The state Republican Party issued a brief statement praising Cox’s “commitment to safety and dialogue.” Meanwhile, a local progressive group expressed mixed feelings, citing the need for a more robust approach that tackles systemic inequities as well as individual violent behavior.

Whether Cox’s proposals will be adopted remains to be seen, but the very act of putting them into a public forum signals a shift. The governor’s willingness to address political violence—without shying away from the complexities of the problem—could serve as a blueprint for other states wrestling with similar issues. If the “common ground” Cox envisions can be achieved, it may well help to stabilize Utah’s political landscape and, more importantly, reduce the likelihood of future violent confrontations.