Chris Peterson (D) and Spencer Cox (R) issue a joint PSA calling for civility and a peaceful transition of power ahead of the 2020 election. (Screenshot Twitter)
SALT LAKE CITY — Republican Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox and Democrat Chris Peterson, candidates opposing each other for Utah governor, issued a joint public service announcement with the hashtag #StandUnited, calling for more civility in public and political discourse and a peaceful transfer of power ahead of the 2020 election.
In the videos released simultaneously on social media, the two candidates stood together saying that win or lose, Utahns can show the country there’s a better way to play the game of politics.
“I’m not sure this has ever been done before,” Cox wrote on Twitter. “But as our national political dialogue continues to decline, my opponent @PetersonUtah and I decided to try something different. We can disagree without hating each other. Let’s make Utah an example to the nation.”
“Working together and the peaceful transfer of power are integral to what it means to be American,” Peterson said in his accompanying tweet. “Let’s reforge our national commitment to decency and democracy.”
In the video, Peterson and Cox stood against a white background and spoke about how even in the final days before the election, while they have disagreed, those disagreements were respectful.
“Our common values transcend our political differences and the strength of our nation rests on our ability to see that.
“We are both equally dedicated to the American values of democracy, liberty and justice for all people.
“We just have different opinions on how to achieve those ideals,” the two said adding that whatever the outcome for the presidential election, they will both support the results, regardless the outcome.
“Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, we are both committed to American civility and a peaceful transition of power,” Cox continued.
“And we hope Utah will be an example to the nation,” Peterson added.
Boyd Matheson, host of Inside Sources spoke with both candidates about their viewpoints on political civility. Here’s what they had to say.
Find more of our political coverage in the KSL 2020 Election Guide.