Eager to cool the political heat? It’s possible, say University of Utah researchers and others
Nov 6, 2024, 11:00 AM | Updated: 2:09 pm
University of Utah Assistant Psychology Professor Samantha Moore-Berg poses for photos in their lab area at the Social & Behavioral Science Building in Salt Lake City on Monday Nov. 4, 2024. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
Remember Utah’s 2020 Utah gubernatorial race?
In the midst of a contentious presidential campaign, Republican gubernatorial candidate Spencer Cox and his Democrat opponent Chris Peterson appeared together in a 30-second ad affirming their commitment to democracy — even while extending mutual respect.
“We can disagree without hating each other,” said Cox in the 2020 spot.
“Win or lose,” added Peterson, “in Utah, we work together.”
The Cox-Peterson ad resonated across Utah and far beyond the state’s borders — demonstrating that opposing candidates with opposing platforms can still commit to upholding democratic processes and treat one another civilly.
Now research reveals that the so-called #StandUnited ad featuring Cox and Peterson can even mellow political hostility.
Utah’s #StandUnited ad is highlighted in a recently published Stanford University study dubbed the Strengthening Democracy Challenge.
Published in Science magazine, the study offers insights and practical suggestions for voters, political leaders, tech platforms and many others to help cool the heat of partisan divisions — even while strengthening the country’s commitment to democracy.
The work of two University of Utah professors — Ben Lyons and Samantha Moore-Berg — is prominent in the Stanford study.
