From the heart of SALT LAKE CITY, a few months back, Utah’s Governor, Spencer Cox, was one of the rare Republicans who maintained a clear distance from the controversial figure of Donald Trump. Cox’s political approach, which was built on the pillars of unity and respect, seemed to starkly contrast with Trump’s confrontational style.
Interestingly, Cox refrained from voting for Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. He even expressed to CNN in July that he had no intention of voting for Trump this year, citing the former president’s role in instigating the infamous Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot as a step too far.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Cox had a change of heart following an assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. He penned a letter to Trump, explaining that his courageous response to the shooting incident had prompted a sudden reassessment of his stance.
This unexpected shift left political analysts puzzled, as they had observed Cox’s steady rise as a moderate Republican, akin to Mitt Romney, the Utah senator and 2012 Republican presidential nominee.
In his letter, Cox, 49, expressed his belief that Trump could rescue the nation by promoting unity over division. He wrote, “You probably don’t like me much, but I want you to know that I pledge my support.”
However, Trump has yet to reciprocate by endorsing Cox for reelection.
Their intriguing relationship was once again in the limelight when they found themselves at the center of a controversy at Arlington National Cemetery. Following a dispute between Trump’s staff and a cemetery official, Cox may have violated rules, and potentially federal law, by using a graveside photo with Trump in a campaign fundraising email.
‘Ethical Dilemmas’
The contrasting responses underscore the difference in their political styles and reignite questions about Cox’s decision to support Trump, who declared post-assassination attempt that he had no intention of altering his ways.
Chris Karpowitz, a political science professor at Brigham Young University, commented, “He allowed himself to compromise his values, and he’s not the first politician aligning with Donald Trump to have found himself in that position.”
Many Utah moderates, whom Cox had worked hard to win over, are not pleased with his sudden embrace of Trump.
‘Somewhat Naive’
Karpowitz also expressed surprise at Cox’s switch, describing the governor’s belief that Trump could unify the nation as “somewhat naive.” He, like many others in Utah, struggled to understand why Cox thought supporting Trump would be politically beneficial.
Aligning with Trump has boosted the political careers of some Republicans, but Trump’s influence in Utah has been less pronounced. The state is a unique Republican stronghold that has only tepidly embraced Trump, whose divisive comments about refugees and immigrants have not resonated well with many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Cox, a member of the Latter-day Saint faith, has stated that he believes divine intervention saved Trump’s life, even referring to it as a miracle.
Despite his endorsement of Trump, Cox has not publicly expressed any ambition to run for national office. However, he has sought to increase his national profile by serving as chairman of the National Governors Association, focusing on restoring civility in politics through his “Disagree Better” initiative.
Disagree – Gov. Cox’s support for Trump is not unexpected; it aligns with his political views.
Disagree – Gov. Cox’s sudden alignment with Trump shows a lack of integrity and principles.
Disagree – Gov. Cox’s flip-flopping on Trump exposes his lack of genuine convictions.
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