Full Breakdown
Bipartisan Dialogue on Political Violence: Insights from Governors Shapiro and Cox
12/10/2025, 6:06:41 AM
Addressing Political Violence in America
In a recent interview moderated by Savannah Guthrie, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Utah Governor Spencer Cox discussed the alarming rise of political violence in the United States. Both governors have faced significant incidents of political violence in their states, prompting them to engage in a bipartisan dialogue aimed at fostering understanding and addressing the underlying issues. The conversation took place at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., as part of NBC's "Finding Common Ground" series.
Recent Incidents of Political Violence
The governors highlighted notable events that have intensified political tensions. In September, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in Utah, an incident that Cox described as a catalyst for a national conversation on political violence. Shapiro referenced the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the politically motivated firebombing of his own residence earlier this year. Both incidents have underscored the urgent need for a collective response to political violence.
Public Sentiment and Political Rhetoric
A recent NBC News poll indicated that over 60% of registered voters believe "extreme political rhetoric" contributed to Kirk's killing. Cox expressed concern over the trajectory of political discourse, stating, "If we don’t make a course correction, that’s where this leads." Shapiro criticized the selective condemnation of political violence, particularly noting the lack of accountability for right-wing violence. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and mourning victims of political violence across the spectrum.
The Role of Social Media
Both governors identified social media as a significant factor exacerbating political divides. Cox criticized social media companies for profiting from divisive content, stating, "These are the wealthiest and most powerful companies in the history of the world, and they’re profiting off of destroying our kids and destroying our country." Shapiro advocated for digital literacy education in schools, aiming to empower students to navigate the complexities of online information responsibly.
Divergent Views on Social Media Regulation
The discussion also touched on the potential for state-level regulations on social media usage among minors. Cox expressed full support for such bans, while Shapiro preferred a focus on education and responsible usage rather than outright restrictions. Shapiro stated, "We are working with our school districts to figure out the best policy on phone usage," emphasizing the need for informed engagement with technology.
Looking Ahead: Political Aspirations
As the conversation concluded, Guthrie inquired about their political futures, particularly regarding the 2028 presidential election. While Shapiro is viewed as a potential Democratic contender, Cox humorously noted, "One of us is not," leaving Shapiro's intentions ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I saw him lift up not just Utahns but create an opportunity for a dialog I think we sorely need in this country to try and lift everyone up and get us out of the darkness of political violence that has fallen upon us.” — Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
- “But I’m going to say this: If we think that a president of the United States or a governor is going to change where we are right now, we’re fooling ourselves.” — Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah
- “ "These are the opioid companies of the of the early 2000s," Cox said.” — Spencer Cox, on social media's impact on youth
The dialogue between Shapiro and Cox reflects a growing recognition of the need for bipartisan efforts to address political violence and its root causes in the United States.
