Democratic Governor Wes Moore of Maryland and Republican Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma sat down together to discuss bipartisan cooperation, political rhetoric, and the future of civil discourse during a town hall at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting.
The discussion, moderated by Kristen Welker, aired as part of an NBC News “Common Ground” panel on NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.
Joined on stage by Dr. Tim Shriver, founding chair of the NGA’s new Center for Dignity in Politics, the governors addressed whether a political strategy built on civility can succeed in today’s polarized climate. Shriver introduced the “Dignity Index,” an eight-point scale created to measure political messaging on a spectrum running from contempt to mutual respect.
Addressing the audience, Moore argued that most Americans are less focused on party labels than political commentary suggests.
“I think that the vast majority of the people in this country, they do not define themselves as a Democratic or Republican first,” Moore said. He noted that voters are primarily concerned with family stability, healthcare access, and financial security, adding that politicians who rely on partisan division “will very quickly find themselves on an island by themselves.”
Moore, a military veteran, acknowledged that while voters expect leaders to stand up for their interests, that advocacy does not require constant fighting with political opponents. “People want us to fight for them and not necessarily always have to fight other people,” Moore said.
Stitt echoed the call for collaboration, noting that state executives often share common goals regardless of their political affiliation.
“What I can tell Americans is that we agree on more than we disagree,” Stitt said, pointing to shared gubernatorial priorities like infrastructure, education, workforce development, and economic growth. “When you get behind—when you get with us, there’s just maybe some small differences, but as a general rule, we are really trying to move our states forward.”
When asked by Welker if a presidential candidate running in 2028 could win using a platform centered on dignity, Stitt said the approach works well in general elections, though partisan primary systems present a distinct hurdle.
“I think the pendulum is swinging. Of course, you get to the general election, it wins. But the problem is, you got to get through the primaries,” Stitt said, noting that candidates on both sides often face pressure from political flanks early in election cycles.
Shriver pointed to young voters as a major reason why political leaders need to shift their tone, warning that political hostility has left many young Americans disillusioned with public institutions.
“We are raising a generation of children who we have made discouraged, which is shocking,” Shriver said. “We can change that culture. And the men and women in this room have the power to change that culture.”
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