Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.) and Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-Okla.) said civility can win general elections, but primary contests remain a barrier to political dignity [1].
The discussion highlights a growing tension between the need for bipartisan governance and the ideological pressures of early-stage elections. As national polarization persists, the call for a return to respect suggests that governing requires a different skill set than campaigning.
The governors spoke during the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City [1]. They were joined by Unite CEO Tim Shriver and host Kristen Welker [1]. During the conversation, Moore and Stitt said that while candidates often find common ground with the general electorate, the primary process often rewards extremity over cooperation [1].
They said that the current structure of primaries creates a disconnect between how candidates must behave to win a nomination and how they must behave to lead a state [1]. The leaders called for a renewed focus on dignity, and bipartisan cooperation to ensure that governance is not paralyzed by partisan warfare [3].
Moore and Stitt said that the ability to disagree without animosity is essential for the functioning of the U.S. government [3]. They said that the shared goals of their respective states often outweigh the ideological differences promoted during primary seasons [3].
Shriver joined the governors in discussing the role of civic unity in the current political climate [1]. The group said that fostering a culture of respect is not merely a preference, but a necessity for effective public administration [1].
“Civility can win general elections, but primaries are the problem.”
The agreement between governors from opposing parties underscores a systemic conflict in the U.S. electoral process. While general elections often reward broad appeal and moderation, the primary system frequently incentivizes ideological purity and aggression. By identifying primaries as the primary obstacle to civility, Moore and Stitt are pointing to a structural cause of polarization rather than a simple lack of will among politicians.
