Cox and Lujan Grisham urge respectful disagreement amid polarization
The Ford School event, part of University of Michigan Democracy Week, featured Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in conversation moderated by Lynette Clemetson. They discussed affective polarization, declining trust in institutions, the loneliness epidemic, and practical techniques for engaging across differences without abandoning values. The discussion drew from Cox's book "Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt" and his "Disagree Better" initiative, highlighting personal stories, cross-party friendships, support for local journalism, and federalism. Audience participation via QR code led to an AI-facilitated text dialogue tool called Sway for practicing disagreement. No formal Q&A, but emphasis on staying in the room and building relationships.
Source: Ford School of Public Policy