Pignanelli and Webb: Will ‘blue wave’ roll over Utah?

Summer temperatures are cooling a bit as we approach the end of August. But an eastern heat wave is flowing out of Washington, D.C., warming political debates as far away as Utah. We keep our air conditioners on high as we explore the ramifications.

For months, political pundits have dissected whether the much-heralded "blue wave" will sweep across the nation. Now, courtroom revelations about President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager and personal attorney have Washington in a tizzy. Debates are swirling on the impact of these revelations on congressional elections and the future of the president. So, will there be a blue wave in Utah?

Pignanelli: "Many of us were burned in the 2016 elections by prediction models, so I will not predict in 2018 who wins a kite-flying contest in the midst of a hurricane." — Matthew Dowd, ABC News

A tsunami is generated by a massive event, an earthquake or meteorite impact. The same holds true in politics. (Political hacks like me love to over-dramatize boring matters with outlandish descriptions.)

Whether the recent developments, adding to the emotional reactions Trump fostered for 18 months, generate a “wave” of change remains unanswered because traditional electioneering is upended. But history can provide limited guidance to candidates and parties. A strong economy and overreaching opposition distill the effect of presidential scandals voters find abhorrent but irrelevant (1998). Yet economics cannot overcome congressional scandals easily understood combined with a questionable presidential military strategy (2006). Enthused, determined voters expressing disgust with the party in power can drive change (2010).

Most voters made up their mind about Trump. So how the parties craft responses to the controversies and take credit for — or question — a booming economy will determine whether this is a bump or a colossal avalanche (I cannot help myself).

Webb: Midterm elections are, to some degree, a referendum on the incumbent president and the party in power. Voters in Utah’s 4th Congressional District who want to punish Trump may vote for Democrat Ben McAdams over incumbent Congresswoman Mia Love.

But balanced against the Trump factor is the Pelosi factor. A lot of Republicans and independents don’t particularly like Trump, but they really, really don’t want to give the House of Representatives to Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats. They understand that a vote for McAdams is a vote for a Democratic takeover.

Meanwhile, Washington reporters, pundits and Democrats are beating their breasts and exclaiming: “We got Trump! Indict! Impeach!” But the average voter is wondering what’s new. They’re weighing what they already know about Trump against what he has accomplished in 18 months.

They already know Trump is a philanderer, that he paid off mistresses, that he stretches the truth, that he has a big mouth, that he is erratic and egotistical, and so forth.

But they’re comparing all that against a terrific economy, low unemployment, tax cuts, reduced regulation, energy independence, more muscular foreign policy, great judicial appointments, military buildup, tougher stance on terrorism — and possible downsides of trade, immigration and the national debt.

If predicting the demise of Trump was a fatal disease for Washington pundits and politicos, only Trump would still be alive.

A while ago, hundreds of newspapers across the country coordinated editorial attacks against Trump in response to his “fake news” and “enemy of the people” charges against the news media. Will this impact Utah politics?

Pignanelli: Trump is obsessed with daily disparagements of the media, which are consumed by covering his insults and perceived slights against the First Amendment. This battle is now ubiquitous background noise and ignored by Americans.

The more relevant dynamic is Utahns are increasingly getting their news not from television or newspapers, but from native digital sources. So any controversies about newspapers and television do not resonate. Further, successful campaigns continue to move from traditional forms of publicity to sophisticated social media venues. The rock fight between the president and the press has a limited audience.

Webb: Not many normal people pay attention to newspaper editorials (or to columnists like us!). The news media and the political class operate in an echo chamber, talking (and sometimes yelling) at each other while average voters go about their lives. The prevailing opinion among Trump supporters is that the mainstream media hate him anyway, so widespread editorial collusion has no further impact.

What should Utahns expect as Labor Day, the unofficial start of the campaign season, draws closer?

Pignanelli: Larger campaigns are conducting focus groups and polling to ensure advertisement bombardments resonate with voters. Smaller efforts are readying door knockers and mailers in anticipation of September blitzes. Digital ads will soon appear. Also, all such activities will be replicated by supporters of the statewide initiatives. Hopefully, the upcoming three-day holiday will offer some reprieve.

Webb: Preseason training camp is nearly over and it’s time to get serious about the 2018 elections. Candidates and ballot initiatives are rolling out TV spots to define themselves. With early voting beginning in less than two months, there’s no time to lose.

Pignanelli & Webb: The political inferno of wildfires, and other issues

It's hard to escape the sultry weather. It’s also hard to escape a few other ongoing issues. So instead of ignoring them we tackle them head-on.

Between heat and smoke, we've suffered through one of the ugliest summers in remembrance. Do policymakers share any blame for the raging wildfires? Can anything be done?

Pignanelli: “To paraphrase Woody Guthrie, if this land is our land, then aren’t these fires all our fires, from sea to shining sea?”— Wildfire Magazine

I grew up in a strict household while attending Catholic school taught by very tough nuns, where misconduct was always punished with various physical methods. Thus, I learned creative and clever methods to shift blame for my missteps on entirely innocent individuals and entities (Unsuspecting fellow students, obnoxious siblings, poor animals, acts of God, etc.) Nothing was safe.

So I roll my eyes at these amateurs across the political spectrum hurling ridiculous unconvincing accusations at each other. They blemish the art form at which I excelled. Especially because everyone and no one is to blame for wildfires.

Humans are behaving as they have for thousands of years, pursuing productive activity. For the last century this means driving gas-powered vehicles, using electricity and consuming protein — all which contribute to global warming. Further, housing has encroached on forests. To assign such conduct as wrongful, or in the alternative pretend it was harmless, is silly and fruitless. Our species needs natural resources to survive and flourish, and major readjustments to garner such through sounder ecological means is needed — but without guilt trips.

If solutions are not developed, and finger-pointing continues, I know some Sisters who can administer discipline. No one wants that.

Webb: Liberal politicians quickly point to climate change as responsible for extreme weather and horrendous wildfires. I’m not smart enough to know if that’s true or not. But one thing is clear: If we wait to solve climate change before taking action on fire prevention and forest management, we’ll all be burned up.

The Economist, a respected international magazine, recently surveyed global progress on climate change and concluded: “Mankind … is losing the war.” The U.S. is making reasonable progress, but energy consumption in emerging countries that want to enjoy American-style living standards is exploding — and coal use is rising. Some 80 percent of India’s electricity is produced by coal, and two-thirds in China. Countries worldwide are producing and using more dirty energy. The result is that reversing climate change via lower carbon emissions is decades away.

So, yes, let’s work on climate change. But we can’t wait 30 years for the climate to cool. It’s crucial to take immediate steps to prevent catastrophic fires. That means controlled burns, aggressive thinning of forests and dead timber removal. Much more must be invested in rapid fire response, more firefighters, more planes and helicopters, better fire detection.

All of that is going to be expensive. But it’s not much considering the billions of dollars burned up in property loss, horrendous air pollution and lost productivity.

Operation Rio Grande (ORG), which has been executed at great cost and effort, is observing its one-year anniversary. What progress has been made and has it been worth the expense?

Pignanelli: Rio Grande is expensive, but the results — on so many levels — are valuable. Because the Legislature intervened and demanded returns for state dollars allocated, Speaker Greg Hughes peeled scabs to reveal reality. This prompted him to publicly refuse to accept the status quo. Thus, criminal elements were identified, along with the root cause of their addict customers. This has changed the trajectory to save lives and revitalize the area.

Webb: ORG had a good first year, with much more to do. We’ll never completely eradicate homelessness because it is usually a symptom of deeper problems — mental illness, addiction, family dysfunction, crime and financial calamity. What I like about ORG is that Utah leaders have approached the challenges with eyes wide open, understanding the difficulty of changing human behavior and mixing compassion with tough love. There’s no question that crime has decreased.

Congressman Rob Bishop is disgusted because the House passes a lot of legislation, only to see it die in the Senate. Is it time to eliminate the Senate filibuster rule that effectively requires a supermajority to get laws passed?

Pignanelli: There is no constitutional foundation to this silly nuisance. Aaron Burr suggested the Senate should have different rules to end debates. But the filibuster was not formally adopted until 1917. While some claim it protects smaller states, this vexation has hindered civil rights, balanced budgets, entitlement reform and most commonsense legislation to benefit a majority of Americans. As with powdered wigs, filibustering must be relegated to the dustbins.

Webb: It’s ridiculous that progress for the entire country on a wide range of issues is held hostage for lack of 60 votes in the U.S. Senate. Bishop is right. Dump the filibuster and let the majority rule. Perhaps in more affable days, when Republicans and Democrats could actually work together, 60 votes made sense. But today the minority creates gridlock and dysfunction and crucial progress is stifled.

Frank Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Examining the swirling politics of the inland port

Local political pundits appreciate the inland port not just because of its huge economic development potential, but also for all the interesting controversies it is generating. The fun never seems to end. We wallow around in the hubbub.

In the July special session, lawmakers modified the inland port legislation to address environmental, municipal and governance concerns. On the eve of the vote, Salt Lake City Council members and legislators held hands in agreement. Mayor Jackie Biskupskidid not participate in the discussions and remains largely opposed to the results. Everyone knows there will be political fallout, but what is it?

Pignanelli: “There is no gambling like politics." — Benjamin Disraeli

Brilliant political strategy is art, to be admired and appreciated. But with any creative endeavor, pain is initially endured. The inland port was plagued early by problems (e.g. prohibiting owners of property within 5 miles from serving on the commission was unnecessary and counterproductive). Eventually, the artistry unfolded.

Speaker Greg Hughes stood with Salt Lake City Council members to publicly announce the results of their negotiations. He benefited from understanding their environmental and financial issues, bolstering his image of effectiveness. The City Council protected city interests in the Legislature by dealing with them. Even left-wing organizations praised this outcome.

Politicos are commenting that Mayor Biskupski suffered damage for her refusal to participate in this legislative effort. Alas, such observers do not understand Salt Lake City. The mayor made a shrewd and gutsy move, enhancing her reputation for challenging the "Establishment." Unlike other areas in Utah, this plays well to most voters in the capital city. Potential opponents will have difficulty attacking her tactics. Furthermore, the City Council has brokered short-term solutions, so the municipal government will not suffer.

See, statecraft can be beautiful.

Webb: The inland port will be an issue in Biskupski’s re-election campaign next year, but won’t be the deciding factor. More important will be who runs against her. However, her stark disagreement with her own City Council is emblematic of her insular nature and aloofness. Salt Lake City’s politics are definitely leftist. But its leaders must be able to work with the business community, the Legislature and the LDS Church. Whoever wins the mayorship next year will have to say, “I’m just as liberal as Mayor Biskupski, but I can at least work with others to get things done.”

The threats of lawsuits based on environmental concerns and constitutional grounds are permeating discussions and plans for the inland port. Will there be court action, and could progress stall on this development?

Pignanelli: State and city leaders are expecting legal action. So development will continue, with the appropriate contingencies.

Litigation is a subtle advantage for the political players. Mayor Biskupski can point to lawsuits as a vindication of her strategy to stay away. Lawmakers and the City Council can claim they developed a practical compromise, and therefore litigants are unreasonable and out of touch.

Webb: Lawsuits are likely inevitable, but they would be a waste of time and money. The Inland Port Authority board has an excellent chairman in Derek Miller, and some excellent leaders serving on the board. All sorts of issues, problems and barriers are going to arise, as they always do in a big project like this. But the board members can work through them. Miller is committed to an open, transparent process, and protecting the environment will be a top concern. This thing is barely getting started. Let’s get on with it, make it the most high-tech port facility in the world and deal with issues as they arise.

The inland port is designed to promote global trade, efficient transportation of goods, and a lot of manufacturing, with Utah benefiting as the crossroads of the West. But the trade wars prompted by President Donald Trump could damage international trade. Are there political ramifications from this?

Pignanelli: Utah's future is increasingly tied to open markets and our officials must act accordingly. Sen. Orrin Hatch is an outspoken fan of Trump, but is promoting an articulate defense of free trade in opposition to the president's policies. Hatch initiated legislative action to stop the trade war, and the rest of the delegation will follow. Hopefully, Trump negotiates a resolution. Otherwise, Utah leaders must actively push against these harmful actions.

Webb: The inland port will survive Trump. Trump loves to push up to the brink of disaster and then pull back. We’re already close to better trade deals with the European Union, Mexico and Canada. China, which has been taking advantage of us for decades, is the tough one. But since we sell China $130 billion in goods annually, and China sells us $500 billion, China has a lot more to lose than we do. Politicians in both parties have been saying for years that China is ripping us off and we need to get tough. Trump is getting tough.

In the end, despite the hysteria, Trump’s bluster will produce better trade agreements.

Your Foxley & Pignanelli Special Session Update

The first Special Session of 2018 has adjourned and Foxley & Pignanelli analyzed bills that passed, their impacts on Utah businesses and families, and all the political posturing that brought them about.

INLAND PORT

The Legislature, supported by the Governor, Salt Lake City Council, and Utah Department of Environmental Quality tweaked the Inland Port Authority legislation. Despite the changes, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski is still very displeased with the legislature’s approach in undertaking the largest economic development project in state history.

Negotiations between the Mayor and legislature broke down with the capitol city mayor refusing to attend any more meetings. She instead advocated directly to lawmakers to scrap the bill all together and start over.

The Mayor might be on an island on her own with the city council supporting the Special Session bill as well as many Democrats in the legislature. The Mayor cites Salt Lake’s forfeiture of zoning authority and lack of control over environmental impact and mitigation as reasons for her opposition.

Political wonks are now taking bets how soon the environmental groups will sue the State.

TAX POLICIES

During the 2018 General Session, Federal Tax Reform seemed imminent. However, the exact details were not known and the bill didn’t pass until after the legislature adjourned, leaving Utah lawmakers to guess at some of the specifics. Several bills were introduced in the special session to remedy some of the inconsistencies between federal and state tax reform.  

One last minute change made to the tax bills was restoring the tax credit given to families with dependent children. Given Utahns penchant to have very large families, this equates to nearly a $30 million tax break starting next year. This bill will lower families’ tax bills by about $34 per dependent.

ONLINE SALES TAX

On the heels of the South Dakota vs. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, Utah passed its own form of mandatory online sales tax collection from online retailers outside of the state that meet a minimum threshold of sales in state. This is anticipated to bolster the State’s sales tax coffers by $60 million and will take effect January 1.

In a bill passed during the 2018 General Session, the anticipated collection of sales tax as intended as a trigger to help manufacturing companies in Utah. This bill stated that once online sales tax was collected and reached a minimum amount of $55 million, that manufacturing companies could take advantage of a tax break regarding the economic life of component parts. Clarification was made in the special session bill that this minimum of $55 million collected from online sales tax was to be met annually, not on an accrual basis.

PRIMARY ELECTION BIG WINS     

With a significant turnover in the state legislature there were some tough fought Primary battles. Here is how a few of the high profile races shook out:

• Rep. Scott Sandal threw his hat into the ring to join the higher chamber. He faced off against former Brigham City Mayor Clark Davis. Sandall won by nearly 800 votes.

• Rep. Ray Ward faced a tough challenge from former Davis County Republican Party Chairman Phil Wright. Dr. Ward won his reelection earning almost 66% of the vote.

• Melissa Ballard Garff came in 2nd in the County Convention but squeaked out a win in the Primary by less than 200 votes.

• Democrats in the House District 24 race had a unique race with four candidates in the Primary. Jen Dailey-Provost was victorious by just a handful of votes.

The General Election will be held November 6th and most ballots will start hitting mailboxes around October 16th.

If you have any questions about specific bills that passed during the Special Session, Primary Election outcomes, or otherwise, we are always happy to discuss these matters with you.

Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Our Days of ’47 political parade entries

Pignanelli and Webb: Tuesday is Pioneer Day, to be celebrated with speeches, fireworks, rodeos and parades. If political themes weren’t banned in the Days of ’47 Parade, here’s how our fertile (some would say sick) imaginations envision our modern-day political pioneers (no disrespect to real pioneers) appearing:

Sen. Orrin Hatch will be honored as parade grand marshal, riding on an elaborate float with a hologram of a sunset in the front, sporting the banner: “The only Utahn who witnessed the pioneers’ arrival in 1847 … now riding into the sunset.”

The largest parade float in history, spanning two blocks, will hold all the prominent Utahns, with sad faces, prohibited from serving on the Inland Port Authority Board because they own property within five miles of the boundary.

Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski will be chasing after a float shaped like a ship named Inland Port — a ship that is quickly sailing away.

President Donald Trump will be on a float shaped like a stage, with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the corner holding up a cue card: “Meddling? What meddling?”

Myriad liberal commentators and Democratic leaders, after coddling Russia for decades, will be shivering on a float made out of ice, with a banner saying, “It’s time to bring back the Cold War.”

Sen. Mike Lee will be wearing a black cloak riding a float with signs touting his credentials for a new job: “Conservative. Calm judicial temperament. Originalist. Reverence for Constitution. Easy to get confirmed. …”

Democratic congressional candidate Ben McAdams will be in his orange bus with a sign: “Rapidly driving away from Nancy Pelosi, all socialists, Democratic calls for impeachment and Democratic calls to abolish ICE.”

Republican Congresswoman Mia Love will be wearing fitness attire as she performs contortions on her float — distancing herself from Trump’s more outrageous statements, while wooing the Republican base.

House Speaker Greg Hughes will be riding on Salt Lake City’s “Person of the Year” float, which honors the individual having the “Greatest impact on Salt Lake City politics.”

Bears Ears National Monument supporters and opponents will be riding horses together in the parade, carrying the banner, “Thanks, Utah, for this hot issue that increases membership, dues and contributions.”

Gov. Gary Herbert will be waving from a comfortable convertible proclaiming, “Just two more of these parades and I'm done."

Developers of the massive Olympia housing project near Herriman will be tossing out candy on a float with the sign: “Approve this project and we promise to follow the Plat of Zion.”

Utah Republican Central Committee members will wear blindfolds and earmuffs holding signs: “Fighting to control your political destiny.”

The Utah Gun Exchange will be atop a black armored vehicle with the sign, Orrin Porter Rockwell owned guns — you should too.”

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr. will be riding a horse, waving, and telling anyone who will listen, "I'm just visiting Utah. I’m going back. Really!”

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox will be with his family in a nice car with signs on both sides: "Better government through better tweets."

The Salt Lake City Council will be marching together, arms locked, with a weathered sign used in many parades: "Upholding the pioneer tradition of battling the mayor."

Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz will be cruising the parade route looking for cameras, waving and shouting: "Still leading the pack for 2020 governor."

U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Jenny Wilson will be in a pickup truck with the sign, "Taking one for the team. Please remember that in 2020 when I run for SL County mayor."

Congressman Chris Stewart will be on horseback promoting his next book: “Seeking the 8th Miracle: A Deliberative and Humble Trump.”

Congressman John Curtis will ride his motorcycle wearing a leather jacket and slogan: “Washington is insane. SLC is weird. Provo is heaven!”

Utah Republicans will have a float with a noisy loudspeaker: "Ignore everything you see in the news (except Fox News). Vote Republican. Ignore everything you see in the news (except Fox News)."

Utah Democrats will have a similar float with an even louder loudspeaker: "Watch the news (except Fox News). Vote Democrat. Watch the news (except Fox News)."

Utah progressives will enjoy margaritas on a float with signs: “Clueless but happy,” “Socialism is for lovers,” “Everything should be free.”

Senate President Wayne Niederhauser will be riding his bike, quietly holding a sign: “Cyclists are well balanced.”

House Minority Leader Brian King and Senate Minority Leader Gene Davis will hold a banner: “Welcome to SLC — Utah’s safe place for Democrats!”

U.S. Senate candidate Mitt Romney will feature on his Mercedes convertible: "See, I was right about Russia.”

Congressman Rob Bishop will ride in a nice SUV with a sign: “Retiring in 2020 — unless I get drafted as House Speaker.”

Once again, Pignanelli and Webb will be trailing the last float, sweating in their straw hats and overalls, shoveling horse manure into a small trailer. "Just doing what we do best — cleaning up what those politicians leave behind."

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Lee is an unlikely court pick, but we speculate anyway

Across the country, Americans are experiencing an awful heat wave. And on the political weather front, passions will boil over as the Supreme Court nomination battle commences this week. We try to make sense of all the atmospherics.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee was interviewed as a potential Supreme Court nominee by President Donald Trump, who said he will announce his choice on Monday. Will Lee be nominated? And what does this mean for his career?

Pignanelli: “Markets excel at predicting horse races, election outcomes, and box-office results. But they're bad at predicting who will be the next Supreme Court nominee — which depends on the whim of the president.” — James Surowiecki

The Miss America Pageant recently announced the event will no longer include a swimsuit competition. Contestants are to be judged on talent, poise and accomplishment. Potential and actual nominees for the Supreme Court are not that lucky. They will endure scrutiny of every wart, excess and imperfection that exists on their body of work.

Because Lee can excel in the congressional equivalent of such scrutiny, his name is, and will continue to be, on a shortlist for the court. For decades, most nominees enjoyed an appellate court experience, an advantage that bumps elected officials from consideration. But Lee has overcome this deficit through authoring several books and articles that were well received in the legal community. Although his political rhetoric can sometimes be biting, these treatises are well crafted, balanced and easily read by anyone. Further, Lee is beloved inside the Federalist Society, which is guiding Trump on court matters. Yet, because of political dynamics, insiders are predicting that Trump will select an appellate court judge.

Gratefully, the junior senator does not need to sport a Speedo to prevail in a close examination. Thus, he will be at least runner-up in future contests.

Webb: A good case can be made for Lee, but it’s unlikely he’ll be nominated. Lee is the sort of committed, ideological conservative that Trump seeks for the high court, although some people say his brother, Thomas, has the better legal mind. Mike Lee’s temperament and personality are compatible with a judicial role.

As a member of the Senate club, he would have a good chance of being confirmed by his colleagues. He would certainly be savaged by liberal interest groups (as will any Trump nominee) and his Senate voting record, speeches and writings would be painstakingly scrutinized. His Mormon religion could be a factor, although Sen. Orrin Hatch and Mitt Romney have been playing at the highest levels of U.S. politics and have helped allay “Mormon” concerns.

All in all, being one of 10 or so finalists will be good for Lee’s career, and he’ll be in the mix for future appointments.

Sen. Orrin Hatch has been in the middle of every Supreme Court nomination battle for many decades. With Hatch retiring at year’s end, will Lee, also a member of the Judiciary Committee, pick up the mantle in driving the future of the court?

Pignanelli: This column regularly pokes fun at the senator’s obsession with all things constitutional. But we respect his prowess on even the most minute nuances. (He gets real excited about the commerce clause.) There are many lawyer politicians in D.C., but few with a recognized expertise that guarantees he shall be pivotal in shepherding nominees for all federal courts. Lee is expected to step into the role Hatch executed so well for decades.

Webb: It is a little poignant to see an old warrior like Hatch near the end of his career. He has been the point person on federal judgeships for many decades, pushing through the most critical judicial appointments. He will be greatly missed, especially as Senate Democrats continue to stonewall key appointments. Lee can certainly pick up the banner and carry on.

What does the appointment of a new justice mean for Utah and the elections this autumn?

Pignanelli: Americans and Utahns will soon be inundated with images of a dystopian future if Trump’s pick is approved or not approved (depending upon the special interest group paying for the message). This emotional controversy will seep deep into our local elections. Candidates need to be prepared.

Webb: If Lee is nominated and confirmed, it would obviously be great fun for Utah. Not only would a Utahn serve on the nation’s highest and most important court, but it would give Gov. Gary Herbert an appointment to the U.S. Senate.

That would set off a ripple of machinations by those hoping to be appointed and others affected. Herbert could appoint any number of people, including a community leader, a member of the House delegation, a member of the Legislature, someone on his staff — or himself. It could also spark a fight with the Republican State Central Committee, which could recommend candidates that Herbert might not like.

A Lee appointment would create political drama on many fronts.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: On America’s birthday, how’s the good old U.S.A. doing?

On Wednesday, we celebrate our nation’s founding. So how will Lady Liberty be feeling as she watches the fireworks over New York Harbor on America’s 242nd birthday?

We’ve recently witnessed the best and the worst. Utah citizens went peacefully to the polls last Tuesday to end a spirited, but civil, primary election. But at the national level, political discourse has sunk into the gutter, with harsh rhetoric, political harassment and threats, and rampant incivility. These are weighty matters for political hacks like us to explore.

What is the state of America — and her psyche — as we celebrate the July 4 holiday? Are these the best of times, or the worst of times? Are we making progress or regressing?

Pignanelli: “I do not look upon these United States as a finished product. We are still in the making.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

The newest fitness trend is high intensity interval training (I'm an ardent disciple), which delivers better results in less time by using high technology and arduous routines to push limits. Much grunting and pain for gain.

America is in the middle of a high intensity workout. Longtime societal mores are frequently challenged as traditional institutions are working at maximum levels to adapt to changing demographics, an evolving economy and flood of information through the web. Americans demand elected officials and business leaders fulfill promises and extract vengeance if denied.

This is exhausting, but results are positive. The #MeToo movement is transformative. Our entrepreneurial spirit is strong. Slurs against minority citizens are not tolerated by an overwhelming majority of Americans. Fundamental constitutional principles are beloved and intensely protected.

Recent controversies are perplexing, but our great nation has experienced worse and still prospered. The current national high intensity exercise is generating sweat and groans but will make us leaner, stronger and more competitive.

Webb: Here’s a tip to avoid going nuts and blowing a gasket: Don’t watch the national news, and stay away from the social media bullies and weirdos. There’s no question that leftist rage, pitted against presidential bombast, is an incendiary combination that produces outrageous behavior by extremists on both sides.

In the meantime, the real America is enjoying a booming economy, low unemployment and times are good for most citizens. Yes, we are deeply divided politically. And our federal government, particularly Congress, is rather a mess.

But the real America outside of Washington, D.C., is running pretty well. Cities, counties and states (with a few exceptions) are solving problems and meeting needs. Innovation in many fields is remarkable, and life, in many ways, has never been easier. I would argue that there exists less bigotry, discrimination, sexism and intolerance than at any time in history. In fact, the only class of humanity that can be safely ridiculed these days is someone like me — old, white, male, Mormon, Republican with a paunch. That’s real progress.

In summary, things aren’t nearly as bad as the cable news sensationalism portrays. It is a tribute to the real America’s resilience that we can thrive despite a dysfunctional Congress and escalating political vitriol.

Nasty rhetoric and even direct harassment seem to be the new norm in Washington politics. What does this say about America, and can cooler heads prevail?

Pignanelli: Gay and lesbian couples deserve a respectful response when exercising their constitutional rights in the public market place (e.g. purchasing wedding cakes or flowers), as does White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders when at a restaurant (who was asked to leave). Roseanne Barr appropriately lost her show for the racist tweet, as should have Samantha Bee for using a taboo description in attacking Ivanka Trump. Some TV talking heads were atrocious to those expressing sympathy for children separated from migrating parents. Both sides of the spectrum decry the lack of civility but refuse to criticize bloviators in their ranks for violating basic decency. But this is a historical problem plaguing national dialogue since independence.

Fortunately, most Americans understand that no one is truly courteous and civil unless they are decent to those with whom they disagree.

Webb: The rhetoric is ugly, but we’ll be OK. Trump is a wild man, but he’s not the end of the world as we know it. He trashes political etiquette and blows things up, but sometimes that’s the only way to break logjams.

Utah’s primary election last Tuesday went smoothly. What do the results forecast for the future politics?

Pignanelli: The Beehive State set the national standard for common sense last week, guaranteeing a campaign season filled with intelligent thoughtful candidates from both parties. What a relief!

Webb: As a former GOP presidential nominee with a national focus, Mitt Romney will be a very interesting U.S. senator. But he’ll need to pay attention to Utah. Six-year terms make it easy for a senator to become a creature of Washington and lose touch with the folks back home.

Meanwhile, John Curtis cemented his position in the U.S. House. He’ll be very difficult to unseat in the future.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Time for far-right Utah GOP members to face reality?

For us political commentators (a nice word for hacks), the controversy over Utah's caucus and convention system is the gift that keeps on giving. Whether the legislative SB54 compromise, the Count My Vote reform movement or the antics of anti-reform activists, the fun never ends. So here’s another installment on this never-ending saga.

In Tuesday’s primary elections, the top races are the Republican contests for the U.S. Senate between Gov. Mitt Romney and state Rep. Michael Kennedy, and the 3rd Congressional District race between incumbent John Curtis and former legislator Chris Herrod. Could these campaigns be another indicator of the demise of the convention system?

Pignanelli: "A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.” — Winston Churchill

History is filled with legends of fanatical warriors who believe magical powers, derived from some cultish phenomenon, will prevent their death and overpower opponents with superior weapons. These crazies are always slaughtered because the cause is irrational or ancient, and thereby powerless.

GOP activists cling to the archaic delegate/convention system with the unrealistic belief they can triumph against the overpowering will of the electorate. As with most ultra-devotees to lost causes, they will eventually be defeated. Kennedy and Herrod were rewarded for fealty to the delegate diehards by placement on the ballot. But they are failing to raise significant contributions or broad-based support, heading to rout on Tuesday. They prove the general rule “convention only” primary candidates cannot attract money, recruit volunteers or capture serious attention from the media. They fall to opponents who enjoy wide affection, as evidenced by the signatures they gathered. “Convention only” contenders will increasingly reflect the fringe, whose weakness is directly correlated to their extremist fervor.

The last stands of zealots make for great stories, but never for practical results and victory.

Webb: Utah is a center-right state. As a mainstream conservative, I’d like to invite my far-right friends to accept the fact that signature-gathering is here to stay. I’d like them to think about being part of the mainstream Republican Party instead of being relegated to the fringe. Gov. Gary Herbert and others are encouraging GOP factions to work out differences and better unify as a party.

There is plenty of room in the Republican Party for robust debate over policy. Let’s have those debates and let the best argument win. But let’s not try to win using an unfair process that disadvantages one wing of the party. Win by persuasion, not by process.

Otherwise, mainstream Republicans, the majority, will simply ignore the party structure and raise money, run campaigns and establish policy independent of the formal party organization. It’s better to be in the room debating and influencing rather than conspiring futilely in the dark corners.

Some county Republican parties forced candidates into primaries even though these candidates received enough delegate votes to proceed directly to the general election. These candidates are the victims of extraordinary rules designed to punish candidates who gathered signatures, even though they also went through the caucus/convention system. Can this craziness continue?

Pignanelli: These bizarre antics in other regions demonstrate that Utah County does not possess a monopoly on nuttiness. Grumbling about reform is an annoying constitutional right. But party officials denigrate democracy with the silly rule that “convention only” candidates with an arbitrary vote percentage are automatically provided ballot placement. This finagling unfairly punishes qualified candidates with requisite signatures and a majority of delegate support. Utahns will not tolerate such corruption of the election process. Lawmakers can expect pressure from various sources (i.e. media, special interest groups, good government organizations, social media, etc.) to enact reforms.

Webb: These rules used by some county parties are unfair and deceitful, illustrating how far some party insiders are willing to go to desperately cling to power, even contradicting the will of their own delegates. It is truly destructive to the image and reality of the Republican Party. They are shouting to mainstream Utahns: “We don’t want you.”

Some convention system supporters are planning a legislative push to repeal SB54. Is this even a possibility?

Pignanelli: The existence of these rumors is incredible, but true. There are rumblings among officials to repeal SB54 because they believe a deal was broken. Such actions won’t go anywhere, but dust will be stirred in deliberations.

Webb: To paraphrase a favorite pledge: “They won’t take my power away until they pry it from my cold, dead fingers.” Some arch-conservatives are desperately trying to hang on to control of the political process. But I believe enough state legislators like the option of gathering signatures to get on the primary ballot that they won’t repeal SB54. I’m also still hopeful the Utah Supreme Court will place the Count My Vote proposal on the ballot so voters can decide once and for all how they prefer the nomination process to work.