From Utah to the White House, here are some of the best and worst moments of the election
The red and blue walls are crumbling and demographics are realigning. This will impact Utah’s local politics and elections.
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
Pignanelli & Webb: Well, we wish we could say the 2020 election is over but, as of our Thursday deadline, some races were still undecided. But we can say conclusively that this election confounded expectations and predictions. Thus, we provide the best, worst, strangest and most intriguing elements of the 2020 national and Utah elections.
What were the positive highlights of 2020 elections?
“All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.” — Al Smith
In a year filled with rancor, pestilence, economic strangulation, divisive partisanship and emotional challenges, Americans and Utahns turned out in record numbers to cast ballots in a peaceful manner. This was a true test of the republic and we passed.
Nothing was more heartwarming than watching our fellow citizens of different skin hues, creeds and origins casting their ballots. Sure, extremists on either side may try to foster protests when the results are finalized, but the overwhelming participation, the highest number of voters in history, protected the sanctity of our institutions.
The lowlights?
The low point of the entire election was the first presidential debate. All observers and even partisans were depressed with the performance of the two candidates.
The strangest Utah-related election occurrence?
Utahns possess a unique perspective in this category. When their senior senator, Mike Lee, during a public political rally compared President Trump to Book of Mormon hero Captain Moroni, the most subdued reaction was a raised eyebrow. Obviously, this generated tremendous uproar among the faithful and among knowledgeable gentiles. But perhaps it was an intriguing method to garner interest in Lee’s church.
Most interesting (at least to political hacks)?
For months, serious experts used polling results and other research to proclaim profound judgments that not only would Joe Biden win in a landslide, but a massive blue wave not seen since the FDR tsunami of 1932 was imminent. They cockily predicted multiple red states would flip and the entire American government would be in the hands of Democrats. They were very wrong … again. These coastal elites and establishment news media continue to diminish and even disregard the economic and social concerns of working class middle America. The errors of “experts” in 2020 are even greater than 2016.
Positive highlight in Utah?
The joint press conference and commercials featuring Republican gubernatorial candidate Spencer Cox and Democrat Chris Peterson pledging the civil discourse was definitely a PR stunt … and everyone loved it. (Well, except strident partisans, but they are no fun anyway.) In fact, their lovefest spread across the country with massive media coverage — demonstrating a hunger by Americans for their politicians to be nice. Do nice guys finish last? Well, one did and one didn’t.
The worst in Utah?
All Utahns can agree they hated incessant airing of the awful negative TV and radio advertisements produced by supporters and campaigns of Congressman Ben McAdams and his challenger Burgess Owens. Negative ads can work, but when they are stacked on top of each other filling every second, minute and hour of commercial time, viewers block them out. Unfortunately, national party hacks were not alone producing crappy ads and personal attacks; the local campaigns joined this fray (even though the strategy was inconsistent with the candidates’ actual personalities). These ads added further insult by instructing us on Utah values and “bringing everyone together.” The hardcore political operatives behind these tactics will need to shower to remove the stench.
The strangest nationally?
The presidential election may be determined by ... Nevada? Utah enjoys the proximity of our Silver State neighbors, but no one predicted they would play such an outsize role in the final moments of the presidential election (as of this writing). This weirdness is further compounded by the results in Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
Most interesting trend in Utah?
Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are bickering among themselves because their projections of massive victories dissipated and turned into Republican gains. Yet in the Utah House, Democrats are likely to pick up some seats. Their success reaffirms the east bench of Salt Lake County is shifting blue. Further, the loss (and near loss) of several seats in west Salt Lake County is also revealing. Could this be an indication of shifts in suburban politics in Utah?
Further, without a presidential nominee with coattails, the Salt Lake County mayoral race was handily won by Democrat Jenny Wilson, and the council races are more mixed.
These results my indicate Utah voters are paying attention to individual issues issues and less on party affiliation. This was made easier by the recent change in Utah law disallowing straight party ticket voting.
The Utah election results are highlighting significant trends to watch in this decade. The narrowness of the 2020 national election results document that 2016 was not a freak occurrence. The red and blue walls are crumbling and demographics are realigning. Technology and society are rapidly evolving, but traditional norms are in stronger demand by many. This will impact Utah’s local politics and elections. Please don’t ask us to predict how.