Utah Gov. Cox shows compassion and moderation can be politically popular

66% of Utahns approve of the moderate Republican’s job performance

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

New Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is enjoying a political honeymoon with the Legislature and most Utahns. However, nationally and locally, the far right continues to critique his demeanor and some policies. We assess Cox’s popularity amid interesting voter dynamics.

Since his January inauguration, Cox’s popularity has increased. A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll reveals 66% of Utahns approve of his performance. Even 64% of Democrats and 62% of unaffiliated voters give the governor strong marks. In times of political turmoil, why is Cox so well liked?

Pignanelli: “In the 1860s, public vaccination was not simply a medical matter, it was a divisive political issue, with outcomes strongly influenced by competing partisan interests.” — Deborah Brunton

Inaugurated amid a pandemic and political turbulence, Cox was forced to play the political equivalent of relief pitcher — striking out batters while juggling additional balls and smiling, at the same time.

Cox understands in 2021 vaccination is the priority. His policies scored well despite noisy opposition from the no needle crowd. Indeed, 70% of voters applaud Cox’s governance of the pandemic.

Cox’s style of pitching (aka personality) is garnering the accolades. Utahns are a decent and compassionate people who sense the same virtues in the governor. But we are also practical and venerate efficiency in operations, especially government. Therefore, a stellar performance in vaccinating residents, which in turn is restoring the economy, is appreciated and admired.

Voters also perceived that Cox fared well in legislative relationships. They noted he vetoed bills without enduring the override session.

Further, Cox elevated his mantra to outline policy differences when needed, but not make personal attacks. This is especially appealing to Democrats and unaffiliated citizens grateful the governor will not disparage others just for their beliefs.

As with pitching, governing will always encounter unexpected challenges. But consistent style is what guarantees a place in the records.

Webb: Cox is, indeed, a compassionate and moderate conservative. But I believe he is a moderate conservative with a backbone, although he hasn’t had much occasion to publicly display that characteristic.

Utah has a great economy, vaccinations are going well and people are feeling good. It is typical for Utah governors in such enviable positions to enjoy high approval ratings. The fact that Cox is competent and likeable with an approachable, friendly demeanor will serve him well going forward.

Cox is sometimes criticized by national and local right-wing pundits, media outlets and special-interest organizations. Is this a long-term problem for Cox?

Pignanelli: Cox made the most important decision of his political career: He is who he is and will not change. This is an extremely valuable weapon. Some conservatives desperately want Cox to behave like them with inflammatory rhetoric and a narrow approach. His refusal to budge angers them.

Because his demeanor reflects the typical right of center Utahn, Cox ultimately prevails. Utah is a red state, but governmental responses on many issues are evolving. Cox is on the right side of history.

Webb: Personally, I don’t like political confrontation and harsh rhetoric, although I plead guilty to having done some of both. But I also don’t believe in saying, “Can’t we all just get along?” while getting run over by people who really would destroy the basic foundations of society and the country. Sometimes a fight is required.

I appreciate politicians like Cox and Sen. Mitt Romney, whose first inclination is to look for the good in opponents and want to work with them. But I’m also glad we have some fighters like Sen. Mike Lee, Reps. Chris Stewart and Burgess Owens, and legislative leadership who are willing to go to battle to preserve freedom and protect the family and society’s basic institutions.

There really are some bad people and bad policies out there that would damage our country.

Cox’s predecessor, Gov. Gary Herbert, also enjoyed high approval ratings. With regard to political ideology, Herbert said he was “conservative in principle, moderate in tone and inclusive in process.” That’s a good balance, and I think Cox would do well to demonstrate his conservative principles, even while maintaining his moderate tone.

In the same poll, only 40% of Utahns approve of President Joe Biden’s overall performance, but 50% approve of his handling of the pandemic. Any surprises?

Pignanelli: A majority of Utahns are unlikely to give a Democratic president the thumbs up. But some politicos expected a higher percentage regarding the pandemic. This may be more a function that the state is succeeding so well that the feds pale in comparison.

Webb: Biden inherited an easy win on the pandemic, although there have been bumps. But his low overall approval rating isn’t surprising. While Biden is personally more likeable and far less volatile than former President Donald Trump, he is presiding over the most left-wing agenda in my lifetime. He campaigned as a moderate and a unifier, but he is quietly tolerating radical policies.

If Biden can hold back the arch-liberal tide on such issues as D.C. statehood, eliminating the filibuster, higher taxes, court packing, defunding the police, open borders, federalizing elections and reparations, then perhaps he’ll win higher approval ratings in Utah.