2020 race: Rival candidates for Utah governor unite to urge decency

Rival candidates for Governor of Utah release ad vowing to work together after election; ‘We can disagree without hating each other’.

Rival candidates for Utah governor Chris Peterson and Spencer Cox. Picture: Twitter.

At first it seems like a parody in a bitterly divided America. Two rival candidates for Governor of Utah, a Republican and a Democrat, standing next to each other joking and claiming they will work with each other regardless of who wins on November 3.

In this brutally partisan US election, the example of Democrat Chris Peterson and Republican Spencer Cox of Utah comes as a welcome shock.

I’m not sure this has ever been done before...but as our national political dialogue continues to decline, my opponent @PetersonUtah and I decided to try something different. We can disagree without hating each other. Let’s make Utah an example to the nation. #StandUnited #utpol pic.twitter.com/Tkr2sDCYTB

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2020

In a video, the two men are standing next to each other, smiling and laughing.

‘We are currently in the final days of campaigning against each other to be your next governor,” says Peterson.

Cox: “There are some things we both agree on.” Peterson: “We can debate issues without degrading each other’s character. Cox: “We can disagree without hating each other.” Peterson: “And win or lose in Utah we work together”. Cox: “So let’s show the country there is a better way.”

By contrast, in Washington Donald Trump calls Joe Biden a “corrupt criminal” who is all but senile. Joe Biden calls the president a “clown,” a “liar” and tells him to “shut up.”

Meanwhile Mr Trump is reported to have walked out of an “extremely hostile” interview with 60 Minutes.

The president then threatened to post the interview before it airs, thereby robbing the network of its scoop.

I am pleased to inform you that, for the sake of accuracy in reporting, I am considering posting my interview with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes, PRIOR TO AIRTIME! This will be done so that everybody can get a glimpse of what a FAKE and BIASED interview is all about...

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2020

“I am pleased to inform you that, for the sake of accuracy in reporting, I am considering posting my interview with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes PRIOR TO AIRTIME! This will be done so that everybody can get a glimpse of what a FAKE and BIASED interview is all about,” Mr Trump tweeted.

Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes not wearing a mask in the White House after her interview with me. Much more to come. pic.twitter.com/0plZG6a4fH

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2020

Mr Trump then attacked Ms Stahl for not wearing a mask after her interview with him, posting a video of her without a mask.

Mr Biden has already pre-recorded an interview with 60 Minutes which will air Monday (AEDT).