Utah Governor’s “Disagree Better” Initiative in the Spotlight After Charlie Kirk Shooting
In the wake of the tragic shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, Republican Governor Spencer Cox has found himself thrust into the national spotlight. The shocking incident has drawn renewed attention to Cox’s yearlong initiative aimed at encouraging Americans to “disagree better” — a message that now carries particular poignancy following this act of political violence.
As chair of the National Governors Association from July 2023 to July 2024, Cox launched the “Disagree Better” initiative to combat the growing political polarization in America. This bipartisan effort sought to foster healthier dialogue across political divides, reflecting Cox’s longstanding commitment to civil discourse. His approach to politics first gained national attention during his 2020 gubernatorial campaign when he appeared alongside his Democratic opponent, Professor Christopher Peterson, in a joint advertisement encouraging Utahns to “debate issues without degrading each other’s character.” In the viral ad, Cox emphasized that “we can disagree without hating each other” — a sentiment that resonated widely and gave him renewed “faith in the American idea,” as he later told the Deseret News.
The “Disagree Better” movement expanded beyond Cox’s personal campaign, eventually growing into an independent nonprofit organization with impressive backing. The initiative garnered support from at least 23 governors from both political parties, former judges, representatives from organizations like the American Enterprise Institute and the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, and even received praise from then-President Joe Biden. At a 2024 event with National Governors Association Vice Chair Wes Moore of Maryland, Biden commended Cox’s efforts “to get those of us who disagree with one another to listen to one another, to treat one another with a sense of dignity and respect.” What began as “one governor’s nonpartisan rallying cry” evolved into a broader movement engaging celebrities, athletes, musicians, public figures, influencers, and political leaders to demonstrate respectful disagreement in action.
Cox’s message took on particular significance following the first assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in July 2024. Speaking to a local Fox News affiliate after the Butler, Pennsylvania incident, Cox suggested that Trump had an opportunity to “unify and save our country” following his harrowing experience. While acknowledging his own limited influence on presidential discourse, Cox remained committed to promoting respectful dialogue, saying “that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try.” His persistence in advocating for civil discourse, even in the face of America’s increasingly heated political climate, highlights his unwavering belief in the power of respectful engagement.
In a revealing podcast conversation with then-National Governors Association Vice Chair Jared Polis of Colorado (who is also listed as an officer of Disagree Better), Cox shared his personal philosophy on handling disagreement. He explained that personal attacks and being told “you’re a terrible human being” have never changed his mind, and he doesn’t believe such approaches change others’ minds either. Instead, Cox emphasized that “the way you actually influence people and persuade people, and I still believe in persuasion, is by treating them with dignity and respect.” Polis, adding to this sentiment, stressed the importance of curiosity and asking questions, noting that the goal isn’t necessarily agreement but rather to “validate the humanity of those you disagree with.”
The parallel between Cox’s approach and Charlie Kirk’s own method of engagement is striking. Before his tragic shooting, Kirk was known for traveling to college campuses and inviting liberal students to “prove me wrong” in civil discussions about contentious political issues. Despite facing occasional vitriol and pointed language, videos of Kirk’s campus visits show him responding with composure and calm — embodying the very principles of respectful disagreement that Governor Cox has championed. Now, as officials investigate suspect Tyler Robinson and other aspects of the case, Cox’s “Disagree Better” initiative takes on new urgency in a nation struggling with increasing instances of political violence. The tragedy at Utah Valley University serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in Cox’s mission to foster a political culture where Americans can passionately disagree on issues while still recognizing each other’s fundamental humanity.
