What politicians are looking forward to after Memorial Day weekend

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: Finally. Memorial Day holiday 2021, a well-deserved long weekend of wonderful weather — and no masks. As the unofficial beginning of summer, this is when most people plan their vacations and personal improvement projects for the warm season. Politicians are no different. So, we used artificial intelligence (because we don’t have any real intelligence) and social media analytics (performed by 11-year-olds) to reveal what is planned by our leaders.

President Joe Biden: “Given my age and the possibility of cognitive decline, I’m going to get a head start on my presidential memoir even though I’ve been in office only a few months. It’s going to be titled, ‘How to Talk Like a Moderate and Govern Like a Liberal While Wearing a Mask.’”

Former President Donald Trump: “I’m going to spend the summer talking about how the election was stolen, why I’m the legitimate president, how unfair it is to be banned from Twitter and Facebook, why the news media, Hollywood and Big Tech hate me — while playing a lot of golf at Mar a Lago. In other words, business as usual.”

Sen. Mitt Romney: “I will commence writing the second installment of ‘Profiles in Courage’. This will highlight politicians of principle in these modern turbulent times and provide inspiration. So far, I will feature Liz Cheney and ... well ... me. Any other suggestions?”

Gov. Spencer Cox: “Being a sensible, reasonable, nonpartisan, nice guy gets a lot of media attention. My administration is receiving accolades nationally and across the planet. If I can keep this up I foresee the ultimate reward … an interview with Oprah Winfrey. I know I can do it.”

Utah Parents United: “We got our legislative resolution discouraging teaching of critical race theory (CRT). Now we can spend the summer trying to figure out what CRT actually is. No one seems to know, and we can’t find a good definition. But we know this abhorrence exists in the public education curriculum. Somewhere.”

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders: “I will be working on my book. ‘How to lose the presidential election and get every one of your campaign promises adopted by the new administration.’”

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee: “I’m looking forward to a relaxing summer project. My description of HR1 having been ‘written in hell by the devil himself’ got so much notoriety that I’m going to research and find all of the names of the various demons, banshees, monsters, ghouls, etc., and apply those names as authors of future left-wing Democratic legislation. This should be great fun.”

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson: “In an act of bipartisanship, we were going to invite all the Republicans to a mask bonfire this summer and cook hotdogs. Then we realized the toxic fumes this would generate. So will have a garden party, with wine tasting, to collect the masks and have them recycled into tents and sleeping bags for the homeless. We know everyone will support this.”

Utah legislators: “This will be a wonderful summer because the only interim committee session is scheduled for June. Of course, we need extra the time to schmooze the redistricting committee. Got to make sure those new boundaries are just right.”

Congressman Blake Moore: “I’m going spend summer vacation building upon my recent opinion essay where I affirmed the Republican Party can grow through greater diversity, inclusiveness and aspiration. I know this can succeed. Just ask the unicorns, pixies and leprechauns who have agreed to help me.”

Congressman Chris Stewart: “Ahhh. the lazy days of summer. Swimming, napping in hammocks, lemonade ... bashing socialists, berating Biden’s leftist programs, defending Trump, warning against China and Russia. What a relaxing summer.”

Congressman Burgess Owens: “I’ve enjoyed my time in the nation’s capital. Hopefully, I can use these summer months to persuade my legislative friends on the redistricting committee to give me a few more Republican voters to even out my district. Just a few thousand.”

Congressman John Curtis: “I look forward to traveling the state and reopening my congressional offices so I can interact in person with constituents. This is important. Plus, I get to show off my collection of really cool socks.”

Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Brad Wilson: “We are excited to attend a mental health therapy camp this summer. It is focused on helping conservatives not feel guilty for spending billions of federal COVID relief tax dollars.”

Utah Democrats: “We toiled all winter defending President Biden’s vision of expanding federal programs at incredible scale. We’re going to reward ourselves by reading a summer fantasy book: ‘Yes, You Can Spend Billions Without Stoking Massive Inflation.’”

Pignanelli: “I intend on recreating in all of the great outdoors opportunities in Salt Lake City. So if a restaurant or bar has a patio … I’ll be there.”

Webb: “I look forward to getting to town and expanding my circle of friends … my chickens are tired of me lecturing them about politics.”

Will the ‘Trump factor’ continue to roil Republican politics?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

National media pundits have exhausted themselves discussing recent internal Republican Party squabbles. We spend our limited energy opining whether all this turmoil affects Utah politics.

Rep. Liz Cheney was dumped from House leadership because of her ongoing criticism of former President Donald Trump. Some are calling this evidence of a “civil war” within the Republican Party. Is that true and is it happening here in Utah?

Pignanelli: “What is happening inside the GOP feels closer to a purge. Two bigger sides are needed to have a civil war.”— Brendan Buck, adviser to Republican House speakers

Despite multiple references, the term “civil war” is an inaccurate description. The conflict is more of a family fight or tribal dispute. No policy or substance issues are involved. Rather it’s a clash over fealty to a patriarch, without an identifiable leader or group in opposition.

The Cheney situation defies the easy explanation offered by pundits. She received substantial support by her colleagues in a similar vote in February. Cheney’s commitment to conscience is commendable. But the Wyoming congresswoman shares her famous father’s pugnacious demeanor (a kind description) and caused unnecessary friction inside the GOP conference.

While dedicated Trumpistas do abound in Utah, their impact pales in comparison to other regions. Most local Republicans will proclaim strong support of Trump’s policies but use careful language regarding the actual persona. Smart politicians understand the president endures mixed feelings in the state.

In a domestic squabble, some family members wisely remain on the sidelines. Few Utah politicos will pick a fight over temperaments that don’t mesh with our state.

Webb: With advantages in redistricting and the unreliable leadership and leftward tilt of the Joe Biden administration, Republicans should be in great shape to take back the Senate and win control of the House in 2022.

But the battle between the Trump lovers and Trump haters in the GOP divides the party and threatens the prospects of a national GOP resurgence. The schism won’t make much difference in Utah, but it will in close congressional elections in swing states.

As I’ve written many times, Republicans won’t win close elections if they alienate the Trump base, OR if they alienate traditional Republicans who don’t like Trump’s character. Both factions must put aside their disdain for each other and unite in voting against the big-government, high-tax, ultraliberal agenda of congressional Democrats and the Biden administration.

“I hate Trump” isn’t a great political manifesto for a Republican to run on. Cheney and others like her are doing a disservice to their party by continually brooding over Trump and responding to his every social media post. Just ignore him and focus on policy, while encouraging his supporters to stick with the party.

Utah’s congressional delegation was divided on the Cheney removal. Rep. Blake Moore and Sen. Mitt Romney were publicly opposed. Will this be an issue for any of them in the 2022 elections? Does this create challenges for the new GOP party officers?

Pignanelli: Moore will encounter questions from Trump hardliners. Romney, because of the two impeachment votes, will face more aggressive internal opposition. Cheney’s replacement, Rep. Elise Stefanik, is a Trump enthusiast but substantially less conservative than Cheney. Romney, but especially Moore, can claim that their actions are consistent with GOP values. Gov. Spencer Cox demonstrates such a strategy is viable.

Reaction to politicians supporting Cheney’s demotion may depend on Trump’s status in a year. While they may not face significant pushback inside the party, their general election opponents could create entertaining mischief.

The new GOP officers are compelled to comprehend the environment. Donors are hesitant to provide resources to an organization in turmoil. Thus, the Utah Republican Party must signal it is beyond the disputes raging at a national level. These officials are about to gain a crash course in practical politics.

Webb: A Republican incumbent, in Utah or elsewhere, can disagree with Trump, and/or dislike him, and still be OK politically. But it is the unrelenting harping on Trump, and being unable to get beyond Trump’s role in the insurrection of Jan. 6, that grows old and disrupts party unity.

No doubt, Trump’s continual haranguing about the 2020 election being stolen is extremely annoying, even for many who liked his policies. But reacting to his every pronouncement only encourages him.

This problem is not going away. Trump is expected to begin holding rallies around the country. Republicans must learn to live with the immense Trump distraction, while trying to hold the party together. It won’t be easy.

Will the controversy impact down ballot races (i.e. legislative, school boards, etc.)?

Pignanelli: Usually, local candidates can avoid presidential politics. But, history suggests if voters sense dysfunction within either party they may cast their ballots accordingly.

Webb: Local candidates should certainly explain their philosophy of government and ideological underpinnings. But they are wise to focus on local problem-solving and issues related to the positions they are seeking.

Masks and vaccines are no reason to act like 2-year-olds

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The pandemic — and the various government, medical and societal responses to it — continues to drive news and political machinations. Although our nation was already divided, two new unneeded riffs over vaccinations and masks are agitating citizens. We explore the implications.

As vaccinations continue, but at a reduced pace, extreme elements are coalescing around both sides of the vaccination controversy. Many citizens are stridently opposed to vaccination and are threatening the advantages of herd immunity. But there are also numerous individuals who are fully vaccinated and are still demanding masks and social distancing at most gatherings. Could this controversy impact elections?

Pignanelli: “It’s pretty wild how we used to eat cake after someone would blow on it. Good times!” — Internet meme

Scientists amaze when unlocking the secrets of the stellar and subatomic universes. But the greatest mysteries remain as to the human mind (aka why do people think this way?). One year ago, most politicos predicted the distribution of vaccines would be the battle. No one conjectured the current situation.

The emotions exuded by both sides of this controversy are matched by unexpected beliefs. Hard-core adherents to masking and social distancing appropriately relied on actual evidence to reduce the spread. Those concerned with such restrictions properly referenced indisputable facts including the low rate of mortality, identifiable vulnerable populations and overhyped media reports. But such prior logical attitudes were abandoned with novel claims that restrictions are still necessary, or coronavirus vaccinations are dangerous.

Without herd immunity, the disease is likely to remain with us in different forms for decades. The energetic factions will be demanding sympathetic responses from their elected officials, thus impacting political deliberations in some form. Hopefully, this will be dampened as most Utahns occupy the rational middle sweet spot.

Maybe the next scientific breakthrough is the discovery of how we arrived in this unusual situation … in the 21st century.

Webb: It’s remarkable to me that vaccinations and masks are even an issue. What can I say, except, “Let’s be reasonable!” Unfortunately, some folks on both sides aren’t governed by common sense, so we’ve witnessed emotional shouting matches and ugly confrontations. Politicians have to navigate gingerly.

Perhaps we should try a little humor. I’ve had to laugh at airlines that demand very young children wear masks. Whoever made those rules has never tried to reason with a 2-year-old. This wasn’t funny, of course, for families that were actually kicked off airplanes because their 2-year-old kept ripping off his mask.

Because of deficient family planning (or total lack thereof), my wife and I somehow became parents to six 2-year-olds (arriving consecutively, thank goodness). These diabolical little banshees always did precisely the opposite of my expectations of reasonable behavior, responding to every sensible request (like, “Please don’t kick the dog”) with rip-roaring temper tantrums.

This occurred frequently in public places, purposely chosen by those wicked little demons to make everyone around you think you’re murdering them. In the midst of such wondrous displays of tiny-person meltdown, I frequently offered to take the child into the bathroom, stick his/her head in the toilet, and flush, but my patient wife always vetoed that reasonable response.

Happily, each of our devilish 2-year-olds eventually became sweet, smiling, obedient 3-year-olds. (Then they became teenagers, but that’s another story.)

So, besides the obvious conclusion that forcing a 2-year-old to wear a mask on an airplane is a crime against nature, my point is that we should all stop acting like 2-year-olds. And more like 3-year-olds.

Regardless of the future pace of vaccinations, should our state and country ditch the masks and open everything up? Or is continued caution the best approach?

Pignanelli: The unquestionable goal of vaccinations is to preserve open lifestyles. Our economy, education and mental health of the population cannot survive the continuation of restrictions. Humans need interaction to succeed at all levels.

Social pressure (like anti-smoking crusades) may ensure a greater participation toward “the jab.” Yet, we may have to accept the reality that segments of the population will never be vaccinated. Society must open and adapt.

Webb: We should encourage vaccinations and those who are vaccinated should enjoy life without masks or restrictions. But we should respect private businesses and individuals who ask us to mask up. In other words: Get vaccinated, hug those you love, go maskless — but keep one in your back pocket just in case.

What are the political ramifications for our president, governor and mayors?

Pignanelli: Executive officials will garner credit or blame for any pandemic results. Over time they will be forced to declare where they stand regarding those refusing vaccinations. This will compel a decision whether to cater to those screaming for continued masks and social distancing. Most will opt for the middle. Leaders will ascertain no outcome satisfies all quarters in this weird environment. Political skills will be tested.

Webb: Despite widespread criticism, politicians have done their best in this pandemic, even though mistakes were made. There was no handbook.

The pandemic exacerbated political trends and tendencies. Certainly, the pandemic has required a large government response. But some politicians who like big government and control over citizens have happily taken advantage of the opportunity to try to permanently enlarge the size, scope, cost and coercion of government. Freedom-loving people and politicians have understandably pushed back.

There is a middle ground. We’re now at the point where we should use guidelines and suggestions, not coercion. We should all be enormously grateful that the pandemic is winding down.

Utah’s GOP convention: Should mainstream conservatives be concerned?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Last Saturday, Utah Republican delegates held their organizing convention to elect party officers. But they also captured national attention for loudly booing Sen. Mitt Romney. They also booed Gov. Spencer Cox. This gathering and its results deserve a close look.

In addition to the catcalls, delegates narrowly rejected a resolution to censure Romney, and they elected a slate of inexperienced leaders while rejecting those endorsed by elected officials and establishment Republicans. Should mainstream conservatives be concerned about these developments?

Pignanelli: “A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness.” — Robert Heinlein.

The organizing convention for a political party is akin to youngsters at the ice cream buffet. Parents are vaguely aware of the various condiments but usually shocked at what is brought back to the table.

The unruly behavior of the crowd offended many, but such is the nature of most delegates ... within both parties. These activists are often pleasant individuals, but when part of a herd, they excel at embarrassing comportment. Unfortunately, this outrageous behavior is a longtime fixture. Gov. Mike Leavitt, Rep. Jim Matheson and Sens. Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett were booed at past party conventions.

Cox is receiving accolades across the political spectrum for his competence, compassion and a resounding economy. Yet, many convention participants rewarded this excellence with derisive shouts.

The good news is the GOP convocation further solidified beliefs that extremists on either side should not be given full control of determining candidates in a general election. They care more for policy purity than electability and actual results.

Children can be forgiven for unhealthy choices selecting desserts. Conversely, immature delegates demonstrate a need for a permanent “timeout.”

Webb: This convention exemplified all that is wrong with the caucus/convention system. Only half the state delegates bothered to show up. Six long hours after the convention began, when the final vote was taken for leadership, another 500 delegates had gone home. Many of those remaining were the most extreme activists. And they decided the party leadership.

For many GOP delegates, you’re a pretty brilliant person until you get elected to something. And then you suddenly become an idiot. It has become a rite of passage for the state’s best leaders to be booed at a Republican convention.

As I’ve written previously, I disagreed with Romney’s votes to impeach former President Donald Trump. I thought it helped Democrats and divided the party. I understand why many Republicans were disappointed with him.

But I agree with Romney on at least 80% of the issues facing the nation. Following the counsel of Ronald Reagan, I’m not going to let the 20% disagreement nullify the 80% agreement.

After all, my wife only agrees with me 51% of the time (especially when I want to buy a new tractor), but she still likes me (I think). There are much better ways to communicate one’s differences than to shout down a speaker at a party convention.

Carson Jorgensen and Jordan Hess were perceived as long shot candidates for chairman and vice chairman, but bested opponents by a wide margin. Insiders are already wondering if they will continue the crusade against SB54 and signature gathering for placement on primary ballots, thereby distracting from fundraising and organizing to elect Republicans. Is this a real worry?

Pignanelli: Strident extremists do not understand or even care that the priority of a political party is to elect candidates. Intensive fundraising and strategic messaging are critical components. Party leaders who ignore or even foster ideological tests and controversies over minutia quickly doom the organization to debt and irrelevance. Both parties endured these difficulties of narrow exclusionary vision in the last two decades.

Outgoing GOP Chairman Derek Brown is the gold standard of party leadership. (His Democrat counterpart Jeff Merchant is equally capable.) These partisans are focused on fundraising, technical support and messaging to a broader spectrum of voters. New state and county party officials would be wise to heed their guidance.

Webb: I’m told the current party budget is about $40,000 a month. Unless Jorgensen and Hess can do some very quick damage control and make amends with the Republican establishment, the party is going to be broke and dysfunctional.

The reality is, it’s very difficult to raise money for a political party. Most people would rather donate directly to candidates. Contributions from elected officials and a handful of wealthy individuals keep the party going.

With Cox, Romney and many in the business community irritated at the party, and with the new leaders lacking relationships with GOP donors, good luck with fundraising. And if the party goes after SB54 and the hybrid nomination process, establishment Republicans will use a vehicle like the Reagan Roundtable to organize and support candidates, bypassing the party.

Here’s some free advice to the new party leadership: Try to broaden the party appeal, not narrow it. Welcome all Utahns who want to affiliate with the party — conservatives, moderates, independents and one-eyed, one-horned flying purple people-eaters (Google that). Don’t drive people away with litmus tests or ideological barriers. And let all Republicans choose party nominees.

Can Democrats take advantage of this confusion?

Pignanelli: The opportunity for Democrats is directly proportional to their willingness to establish a comfort level for moderate Republicans. This would require a demonstrable and consistent separation from many of the policies posed by national progressive Democrats. It has been done before — but not in recent history.

Webb: Unfortunately for Democrats, Republicans don’t really need the Republican Party to win. The usual party functions of grassroots organizing, fundraising, get-out-the-vote, survey research, etc., can be done by candidates themselves, especially if the party is dysfunctional and broke.

Is there a bluish tinge to Utah’s congressional districts?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Utah’s congressional delegation is all Republican, but could change be coming? With a closely divided U.S. House, and with redistricting this year, the political parties will be battling for every seat. Local and Washington, D.C., pundits are assessing the situation. We join in on the fun.

The respected Cook Political Report recently analyzed the nation’s congressional districts based on presidential election results. It concluded all of Utah’s seats are among the “most Democrat-trending” districts. Is this just some statistical quirk or is an actual trend occurring?

Pignanelli: “The essential feature of statistics is a prudent and systematic ignoring of details.” — Erwin Schrodinger

Regardless of whether two, three or four glasses of wine are consumed in an evening, the net effect is the same — I am more obnoxious. A similar statistical analysis can be utilized in evaluating the Cook judgment on Utah.

Despite repeated admonitions, national pundits do not fully account for the presence of Donald Trump on the ballot to diminish GOP support in just that race. The 2016 three-way presidential race (including Evan McMullin in 2016) and the 2020 contest are unhelpful indicators of partisan shift. The governor’s race provides a superior evaluation with Gary Herbert winning 66.7% in 2016 and Spencer Cox capturing 63% in 2020.

However, as conjectured in previous columns, the 2020 legislative races did reveal some partisan shifts in Salt Lake County. In addition to a gain of one legislative seat, several other incumbent Republican lawmakers experienced very close races. But this may also signify that local growth and lifestyle issues are prompting some voters to experiment with both parties.

Veteran observers (a nice word for hacks like me) are noticing that the real new trends are revealed in how Utah GOP officials are responding to societal challenges, and oftentimes including Democrats in deliberations.

The numerical additions of high-octane imbibing offer little insight to my level of loathsome behavior. Equally irrelevant are the recent presidential preferences. Because the net effect is conserved, other factors are better indexes.

Webb: Trump, a deeply flawed candidate, won 58% of the vote in Utah in the last presidential election, which is quite remarkable. Democrats also lost the 4th Congressional District to Republican Burgess Owens. Thus, Utah remains a strong Republican state.

Owens is likely the only vulnerable member of Utah’s delegation. He won’t have Trump to get the base out, but he also won’t have Trump to alienate moderate Republicans. So the Trump factor may be a wash. But Owens will need to keep the GOP base energized while solidifying support among mainstream Republicans and winning some unaffiliated votes.

The race outcome will depend, of course, on a Democratic nominee. Former Democratic congressman Ben McAdams remains a formidable opponent.

It will also depend on the national political environment. Will Utah voters tire of the big-government leftist lurch of the Biden administration and Democratic Congress? Or are they enjoying the free money being showered upon them so much that they will vote for more of it?

Will the redrawing of congressional district boundaries by the Legislature next October enhance or deflate any of these supposed trends?

Pignanelli: An interesting, but ignored, section of the this Cook Report publication is the conclusion that gerrymandering is not the sole reason in the decline of swing congressional districts. They suggest voters’ “natural geographical sorting” contributes much to the polarization.

Complete census information is still pending. Meanwhile, drawing boundaries to promote or avoid these trends would be extremely difficult — but not impossible. The good news is that the decennial redistricting process is a wild and bumpy process. Get ready to be entertained.

Webb: In 2020, Trump won every county in Utah, most by substantial margins, except Salt Lake, Summit and Grand counties. Summit and Grand are small, so Salt Lake becomes the battleground for Republicans to maintain control of all four congressional seats.

Progressives will want to carve out a safe Democratic district with perhaps Salt Lake City and West Valley City as the center. Republicans will want to carefully divide up Salt Lake County to dash those Democratic dreams.

A challenge for Democrats is the fact that the old, stable Democratic neighborhoods of Salt Lake County are going to lose representation because growth has dramatically shifted to the GOP strongholds of Utah County and southwestern Salt Lake County.

So far, is there any indication that the usual dynamics of midterm elections will not occur in 2022?

Pignanelli: In the past 70 years, the sitting president’s party lost seats in one or both houses every election but two (1998, 2002). The administration’s approval ratings will be a major factor.

Webb: Biden is nice, calm and reassuring. But he and the Democratic Congress are betting the farm that voters will embrace the return of big government and the unprecedented federal largesse pouring into the pockets of citizens, local governments, state governments and businesses.

But with the leftward cultural shift also comes higher taxes, more regulation, demoralized police departments, protests and riots, gargantuan debt, accusations of systemic racism, political correctness, cancel culture, gender confusion, increased crime, dysfunctional immigration, and calls to eliminate the filibuster, pack the Supreme Court, federalize elections, pay reparations, and make Washington, D.C., a state.

With control of the House and Senate at stake, voters will have a clear choice in 2022.

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.

Regence/United Way/Lyft Vaccine Access Program

At-risk Utahns who do not have transportation can now take Lyft to scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointments. This effort to meet needs in underserved communities was made possible by Regence’s $250,000 donation to United Way Worldwide and United Way Salt Lake. The free service is now available in nine Utah counties: Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, Washington, and Weber. Eligible people can easily arrange round-trip Lyft rides to their scheduled appointments by calling 211 or visiting 211utah.org. There is no requirement to be a Regence member to use the program.

Here is a link to the press release in our newsroom: https://news.regence.com/releases/united-way-of-salt-lake-and-utah-211-launch-ride-united-vaccine-access-campaign

Church leaders urge civility in politics and defense of constitutional principles

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ General Conference contained lessons for American politics.

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Politics and religion have been major forces in our nation even before the birth of the republic. This reality is especially intriguing in Utah where one faith is so influential. In the April 2021 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, talks by general authorities grabbed national and local headlines. We explore the impact of these important statements on political deliberations.

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency reminded conference listeners that the U.S. Constitution and its inspired principles are of “special importance” to church members. He said that no party or candidate can satisfy all personal preferences. Thus, members may at times need to consider “changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election.” What is the significance of this speech?

I am an Italian Irish Catholic native Utahn who has watched some portion of every conference for more than three decades — oftentimes with my Latter-day Saint wife. This gentile benefitted from the wisdom provided.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was born in a republic without the blemish of supporting the “divine right of kings” that plagues other religions. For many decades, adherents suffered tremendously through the despicable actions of fellow countrymen. Therefore, church leaders have unique moral authority to admonish Americans to respect our beloved Constitution. Because of recent events, President Oaks’ deliverance was timely and much needed. He reminded us there are higher objectives than petty score settling.

Partisan discord is corroding the fabric of our society. President Oaks prescribed a simple, but very proficient, remedy for all voters regardless of their affiliations and persuasions.

Utah is consistently heralded for a well-managed government, tremendous work ethic and deep compassion. These are all traits directly derived from religious heritage. So, it’s natural Latter-day Saint leaders are providing a path to resolve national and state divisiveness. This heathen is proud to participate in the solution.

Webb: Non-Republicans in Utah were quick to interpret President Oaks’ comments as a clear signal that it’s OK for church members to support candidates and parties other than the dominant Republican Party.

I think they are correct in that assumption, although such positioning by the church is nothing new. Church leaders have frequently encouraged members to be active in politics, but have made it clear that the church does not support particular candidates or political parties. Such choices are properly up to individual members of the church.

Of greater significance, in my view, President Oaks strongly encouraged church members and everyone else to “uphold and defend” the divinely inspired principles of the Constitution. That clearly means supporting candidates who share that commitment.

He explicitly encouraged support for “five divinely inspired principles” in the Constitution. I strongly urge everyone to read and reread his talk and review and think about how we can champion those five principles to protect our freedoms and the vitality and durability of our nation.

I was especially pleased to hear President Oaks proclaim as the second “inspired principle” of the Constitution “the division of delegated power between the nation and its subsidiary states.” As a strong defender of balanced federalism in our nation it was heartening to see this key principle elevated by President Oaks. I firmly believe that a restoration of the proper federal/state relationship could help solve many of the nation’s most difficult problems.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson articulated scientific and anecdotal examples of why kindness is necessary. He denounced bullying and said that prejudice and poor treatment of others because of their personal characteristics have no place in society or in the church. He reminded church members they have a responsibility to set a tone of “inclusion and civility” in a society that is shifting toward division in “politics, social class and other manmade distinctions.” Can this counsel improve political dialogue?

Pignanelli: I will never forget Elder Stevenson’s talk. His stories of the laboratory rabbits and neighborliness of Quincy, Illinois, were moving and reaffirmed unkind poisonous language is not justified.

For too long, commentators on cable television, talk radio and social media have vilified others simply for policy differences. Religious leaders must consistently denounce these tactics. Elder Stevenson offered a successful formula.

Webb: In politics, there are certainly issues, principles and candidates worth fighting for. There are also issues, principles and candidates that should be opposed and defeated. But it really can be done without personal attacks and vicious language.

Admittedly, it is hard to stay civil and respectful on hotly contested issues. I often fall short myself. But we would better solve problems if our exchanges were courteous, with even a bit of grace and understanding in the mix.

Could the statements by church leaders generate backlash among members, or produce a deeper commitment to their objectives?

Pignanelli: Demanding charitable behavior toward those with different religious or political beliefs always generates criticism from the narrow strident believers (just ask Pope Francis). Unfortunately, it’s happening in Utah. But the legacy of the church, and its members, commands respect nationwide. Frequent admonitions similar to those delivered Easter weekend can change American discourse.

Webb: The behavior of those on the extremes may never change. But the entreaties of good church leaders can absolutely motivate centrists of all political persuasions to do better.