I remember when Spencer Cox ran for governor originally.
He garnered tremendous attention for his civility ads with his opponent. He seized on that notoriety to come up with his “Disagree Better” slogan. Unfortunately, if it was not clear before, the 2025 legislative session has revealed the slogan to be nothing but empty rhetoric from someone lacking political courage.
As this legislative session has gotten underway, though he has been elected repeatedly through mail in voting, he will not defend it.
We have witnessed the once champion of “work-from-home” abruptly announce a change in policy. We have seen a past proponent of diversity join the chorus of people who have decided that being equally inclusive is something to be against. We have watched as he signed a bill selling out all public union workers in the state, including teachers, police and firefighters. And we have taken notice of his transition from passionately defending transgender people to again putting his name on a law to target transgender children.
To “disagree better” is a noble idea. But Gov. Cox’s slogan is not something he is interested in putting to use. His slogan is not geared towards him or those in his own party. Instead, “disagree better” is for everyone else. It’s a way to tell those being targeted and left behind by government to be polite about it. In the end, disagree better is not about encouraging a civil debate; it’s about stifling it all together. And that message is not better even if it is delivered with a smile.
Ben Miller, Salt Lake City
