NEWS & EVENTS
An election to match the craziest year in memory
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
We believe it’s safe to say that the one thing uniting this country is a deep, common desire for the year 2020 to end (but, please, not with another disaster!). Really, can it get any weirder? In addition to the global pandemic, along with floods, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes, we have a tsunami of an election hurtling to a climax, punctuated with upcoming debates and a blockbuster U.S. Supreme Court vacancy.
Your columnists may not have answers, but we are not short on opinions.
The first presidential debate is Tuesday Sept. 29. Also, Utah’s gubernatorial candidates face off on Tuesday, with congressional and attorney general debates to follow. Will these debates live up to the hype and impact the vote?
Pignanelli: “The president must lay out his vision, forcing Biden to lay out his. Then voters have a binary choice — the kind of election Trump can win. He cannot win a referendum election.” — Chris Christie.
Winged monkeys could swoop into the auditorium, whisking the candidates away and Americans watching would shrug and sigh, “Oh well, it’s 2020”. Anything can happen in these debates, affecting all federal elections.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter was three points ahead of Ronald Reagan prior to the only presidential debate. Because of the unexpected relative performance of the candidates, the resulting momentum propelled Reagan to a landslide victory.
Although Biden and Trump supporters are solidified, a performance exceeding, or failing expectations, will tilt the balance among undecideds. Even a perceived draw between the contenders cements the current status.
Most political debates in Utah are timid affairs with nominal impact. But, a Democratic candidate could catch his opponent unaware and score points that are leveraged in the media. Such results require real strategy and creativity.
As political geeks, we encourage readers to watch all the debates. Just be careful of those flying simians.
Webb: The presidential debates will mostly reinforce existing perceptions, but they will still be important. It’s a good opportunity for Biden to put to rest concerns about his vitality and mental acuity. If Trump would only tamp down the bombast and hyperbole (an impossibility) he could make inroads beyond his zealous base.
Some reports have indicated Trump won’t even prep for the debates. He’s constantly in front of the news media answering antagonistic questions. But he could definitely use some practice staying on message, displaying a little empathy and allaying concerns that he won’t support a peaceful transition of power if he loses. Biden will incessantly practice, and he’ll need the preparation.
The state debates will be an opportunity for lesser-known candidates to introduce themselves to voters. The 4th Congressional District debate could have a big impact on that race.
The race for the 4th District is being defined by attack ads targeting incumbent Democrat Ben McAdams and Republican challenger Burgess Owens. Will the attacks from the national political parties make a difference in this pandemic-influenced race?
Pignanelli: Without a Senate contest on the Utah ballot, activists on both sides of the Supreme Court controversy are directing resources to the 4th District contest. New Super PACs are popping up just for this purpose — guaranteeing even more nasty advertisements.
Current tactics are questionable. For decades, Utah endured a high rate of bankruptcy filings. So, personal attacks on Owens for his past indebtedness could be ineffective and antagonize many voters. Blemishing McAdams for voting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi 85% is disingenuous since most votes are technical. A similar analysis reveals McAdams and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy are aligned almost 60%.
Webb: Attack ads work in many situations or candidates and parties wouldn’t waste their money on them. Republicans have been going for the sympathy vote with Owens, trying to make the case that everyone makes mistakes and Owens has risen above poverty, racism and his financial troubles to become a conservative star and live an exemplary life.
McAdams is fairly successfully fending off attacks that he’s a puppet of Nancy Pelosi. Former Democratic Congressman Jim Matheson did that effectively in many past elections. The question is whether this election is somehow different and McAdams is more vulnerable to a nationalization of the race.
The battle over the confirmation to replace Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg has begun. What are the implications for Utah politics?
Pignanelli: There is deep uncertainty how the Supreme Court issue will impact presidential and Senate elections. When hearings begin, the resulting emotions may be unprecedented. Such over the top nastiness can spill over into Utah elections, but no one can predict when and how.
Webb: I believe most Utah voters will support the president’s nomination. Even though only U.S. senators will vote on the nomination, support or opposition to the nominee will be a fair question to ask other candidates on the ballot. The Senate nomination hearings will be an epic battle generating massive publicity. Thus, it’s a legitimate election issue.
What’s happening in Utah’s four congressional district races?
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
Contests in all four Utah congressional districts are underway. While traditional retail campaigning is limited, this does not stop the usual posturing, accusations and spinning of messages. We explore some of the details.
The competition in the 4th District between Ben McAdams and Burgess Owens has become a heated fight, at least in the TV advertising. What is the status of the race?
Pignanelli: “National Democrats are attacking a Utah Republican congressional candidate for his indebtedness and bankruptcies. What better qualifications for Congress could anyone have?” — a seasoned political observer.
The 4th Congressional District race is a funhouse mirror reflection of the presidential election — distorted but recognizable. The Democratic candidate enjoys high approval ratings and affection from all political types. But some have angst with left-wingers of his party. The Republican nominee has a compelling personal story of courage and tenacity. Yet, he frequently courts controversy with spontaneous remarks. As with the national contest, undecided voters are navigating between the two personalities.
Other elements counterbalance each other. For example, McAdams has amassed a huge war chest. Conversely, he will not have the benefit of three ballot initiatives attracting flocks of voters.
In 2018, the Utah County portion of this district was strangled by mass confusion with mail and in-person voting. The new County Clerk, Amelia Powers Gardner, increased the competency of the elections department by 1,000% after assuming office in 2019. This will mean a smooth process for her constituents and could impact the race.
Polling results are forcing Democrat and Republican national parties to expend resources on this race. Thus, Utah airwaves will be blanketed by their ridiculous, cookie-cutter uncreative ads. Whoever hires local talent with a compelling message will dominate voter considerations.
As with amusement park mirrors, this race will be entertaining.
Webb: McAdams is popular and moderate. His ads portray him as a fiscally conservative, nice family guy who wants unity and problem-solving. Meanwhile, he’s sticking a knife between Owens’ ribs.
Owens only wins if he ties McAdams to liberal national Democrats. McAdams helps Democrats stay in control of the House and push left-wing legislation. Owens has to make the case that when Nancy Pelosi needs McAdams’ vote, she gets it (like to impeach the president).
But I think Owens was slow getting his campaign going after the primary election. He hasn’t defined himself well or framed the election, and all the scary Democratic attack ads are hurting. Owens needs a really big turnout from Utah County conservatives to have a chance.
The other races: District 1 is an open race to replace Rob Bishop, with Republican Blake Moore vs. Democrat Darren Parry); District 2: Four-term incumbent Chris Stewart is opposed by Democrat Kael Weston; In District 3, two-term incumbent Republican John Curtis is facing Democrat Devin Thorpe. What are political operatives saying about these races?
Pignanelli: The huge number of Republican voters in these districts provides a massive head start for their party’s nominee. Further, the pandemic limits the ability of Democratic challengers to utilize retail campaigning. As with Donald Trump, there will be limited coattails from Joseph Biden.
All three Republican candidates were not the early favorites, yet they succeeded with strong messaging and sound strategy. The Democratic nominees must construct a similar approach to attract GOP voters. Regardless of the outcome, all contestants should be commended for creating competition in the marketplace of ideas.
Webb: Even though Blake Moore is a newcomer and is barely known, he’ll easily win the 1st District. Kael Weston is putting up a feisty challenge against Chris Stewart, and getting under his skin, but he’s too liberal for the district. Stewart certainly needs to mount a campaign and reconnect with voters, but he should enjoy a healthy victory margin.
Devin Thorpe is a great guy (I know him personally), but so is the moderate incumbent John Curtis. Thorpe doesn’t have enough time or resources to build sufficient visibility to defeat the popular incumbent.
Local races to watch as candidates sprint to the finish
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
Labor Day is in the rearview mirror and political contestants are sprinting to the election finish line. Most focus has been on national, gubernatorial and congressional races. But throughout the state, candidates are waging neighborhood battles for votes for county and legislative offices. Here is a peek at some of these contests now catching the attention of political observers.
Salt Lake County mayoral contest. Jenny Wilson, elected to the at-large county council seat in 2014 with 53% of the vote, was appointed mayor upon Ben McAdams’ election to Congress. So this popular member of an Utah legacy political family is running for a full term as mayor. She has already achieved countywide electoral success in prior council elections. She’s a smart and articulate politician who understands retail politics and is a consummate fundraiser.
Her opponent, Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, has launched the most aggressive challenge to an incumbent of this office in decades. He is not solely riding the GOP label, but rather is reaching out to new categories of voters who are frustrated with county bureaucracy or desire a different perspective. Lawn signs have been appearing for months demonstrating that Staggs’ approach is gaining traction.
Campaign experts and political observers are debating whether the presidential race, or the gubernatorial and congressional contests, will have any coattails for either mayoral candidate. The coattail effect will likely be mixed. Clearly, Wilson’s and Staggs’ performance in November will help determine this effect and political trends in Utah’s largest county.
Analyzing legislative contests is a key activity for many political operatives as these low-key races reveal trends, movements and issues that are not always apparent in the major contests. This is especially important in the pandemic-influenced elections.
These hotly-contested local races, especially in swing districts, are truly revealing of undercurrents and forces. Thus, the following legislative elections are being closely watched.
West Salt Lake County. For many years, this geographic region has been classified ”swing” as voters cross the ballot for partisan selections. This dynamic is a major feature in 2020. Key races include:
District 33 — Every two years, Republican Craig Hall defies the numbers of this West Valley Democratic-leaning district. Fatima Dirie is offering a challenge to Hall, who never takes his seat for granted.
District 38 — Incumbent Eric Hutchings is facing Democrat Ashlee Matthews in this Kearns area swing district.
District 22 — Popular incumbent Sue Duckworth is retiring. Her vacancy is fostering a spirited race between Democrat Clare Collard and Republican Anthony Loubet in this Magna and Kearns seat.
District 30 — Republican Mike Winder (a Utah election would not be complete without a Winder on the ballot) is wrestling with Democrat Robert Burch to keep control of his West Valley seat.
District 39 — For years, everything, including the proverbial kitchen sink, was thrown by Democrats and liberal organizations at incumbent Jim Dunnigan — who survived and flourished in his swing district. Lynette Wendel is trying hard to change that in Taylorsville and Kearns.
East Salt Lake County. In Senate District 8, former GOP Sen. Brian Zehnder is seeking the seat Democrat Kathleen Riebe won against him in 2018. This is the top Senate race in the state.
Republicans think they have a shot to win two additional House seats in this area of the county. In District 46, Democratic incumbent Marie Poulson is retiring. Democrats are offering Gay Lynn Bennion to counter Republican Jaren Davis.
In District 44, incumbent Democrat Andrew Stoddard is challenged by Republican Kyle Bird.
Republicans are fighting hard to defend their incumbents in District 49, where Robert Spendlove is opposed by Democrat Siamak Khadjenoury, and District 45, where Steve Eliason is challenged by Democrat Wendy Davis.
Summit and Wasatch counties. District 54 — Incumbent Republican Tim Quinn is retiring, which is a true loss for the state. Many politicos have wondered for years if the infusion of new residents into Park City and surrounding area would change the district political demographics. This will be tested in the race between former Wasatch County Council member Mike Kohler and Democrat Meaghan Miller, from Park City.
Weber County. District 10 — Democrat Lou Shurtliff served for many years in the House and then retired. She returned in 2018. Republicans believe Travis Campbell has a real shot at the seat.
Other races politicos are watching in northern Utah include District 8, where incumbent Steve Waldrip is facing Democrat Oscar Mata, and District 9, where Republican Calvin Mussellman is opposed by Democrat Steve Olsen. In District 11, Republican incumbent Kelly Miles is in an unexpected fight with Democrat Jason Allen.
Shaping Public Opinion: How to Change Billions of People's Opinions (and Not Get Caught)
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
12:00 PM 1:00 PM
Learn from an industry expert who helped Fortune 50 companies like Facebook and Walmart understand their customers and how campaigns are using these strategies with voters. He will share specific strategies used and how to take that information and develop powerful persuasion campaigns — all while telling the hard-hitting, brutal truth and tales from the trenches.
James Rich is vice president of insights at Y2 Analytics. He is a skilled researcher with a background in both qualitative and quantitative methods.
He specializes in developing and testing language and communications strategies, and executing custom primary research including; focus group moderation, questionnaire design, survey management, data analysis, insight integration, and qualitative research administration for clients of all backgrounds.
James is focused on impactful research that leads directly to business results. He has driven growth working for and with Fortune 50 companies like Facebook, Walmart, PepsiCo, and key policy influencers like the Nuclear Energy Institute and National Homebuilders Association. He's helped these companies improve customer experiences, product strategy, marketing and comms strategy, brand perception, and customer relationships. For Walmart, it was over $10B in growth understanding the grocery shopper; for Facebook, it was helping create understanding in times of crisis.
James is a graduate of Brigham Young University and has an MBA from the Sam Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas. He also serves as an adjunct professor at BYU teaching survey methodology in advertising.
This is a virtual event. To participate, please RSVP.
*The Hinckley Institute neither supports nor opposes the views expressed in this forum.
PRESENTED BY FOXLEY & PIGNANELLI
A guess at what Utah politicians had on their summer reading lists
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
Happy Labor Day! This is the unofficial end of a very hot, tough, exhausting political summer. But Utah politicos did have an opportunity or two to kick back and read a book on vacation or peruse hobby information on the internet. Through diligent research, both scrupulous and unscrupulous, we uncovered the summer reading material of politicos and leaders, or what they were checking out online (Alexa got a workout!).
Utah state epidemiologist Angela Dunn: “The Public Health Physician’s Guide to Patience: Dealing With Politicians, Media and Anti-Mask Extremists While Explaining What is Best for Them.”
Gov. Gary Herbert: “Fundraising as an Art Form: How to Solicit Donors When You Have Only Months Left in Your Term.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “Newt Gingrich’s Guide on How to Fail Spectacularly at Making Impeachment Proceedings a Key Issue in the Next Election.”
Pres. Donald Trump: “Nixon’s 1968 Election Tactics: How to Use Riots, Racial Tension and Fear of the Left Wing to Energize the Silent Majority and Build a Winning Majority.”
Congressman Rob Bishop: “Alexa, is this the definition of hell: No baseball, shortages of Diet Dr Pepper and Democrats leading in the polls?”
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden: “American Presidential Campaigns in the 19th Century: Campaigning From the Porch.”
Republican gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: “The Candidate’s Complete Guide to Deflecting and Preventing Write-In Opponents.”
U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney: “The Ex-Wives’, Prior Business Partners’, Former Employees’ and Disavowed Family Members’ Complete Guide to Antagonizing Donald Trump on a Regular Basis.”
Most politicians and citizens living outside the capital city: “Alexa, what is it with those Salt Lake City people’s pandemic response? Are they from another planet?”
Salt Lake City politicians and residents: “Alexa, why are we the only enlightened humans in the state?”
Democrat gubernatorial nominee Chris Peterson: “Setting Yourself Up for Life: How to Use Campaign Experience to Write Legal Journal Articles and Law School Courses for Decades.”
U.S. Sen. Mike Lee: Google search: “How to practice zen-like peacefulness and patience while waiting for the shot to the Supreme Court.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall: “How to Reveal the Artistry and Philosophy of Protests in a Red State.”
Salt Lake County Attorney Sim Gill: Google search: “How to walk the tightrope as a Democrat elected as a prosecutor, especially in these times.”
Congressman Ben McAdams: Google search: “How to defeat unexpected stiff opposition with tones of moderation and niceness.”
4th District Republican Congressional Candidate Burgess Owens: “The Football Safety Position: Excellent Preparation for a Congressional Candidate.”
Utah Democrat Party Chair Jeff Merchant: “The Proud History of Defining Victory in Impossible Situations.”
Austin Cox (campaign manager for Spencer Cox): Google search: “Tools to convince older political hacks that a 20-something can run a successful statewide campaign.”
Natalie Gochnour, director of the Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah: “Achieving the Impossible: How to Develop a Multifaceted, Comprehensive Economic Recovery Plan in the Midst of a Pandemic.”
Utah Republican Party Chair Derek Brown: “The True Test of Political Leadership: Repairing the Wounds After Three Different Four-Way Primary Battles.”
First District congressional candidate Blake Moore: “Foreign Service Experience: Unique Preparation for Dealing With the Strange Creatures Inhabiting the Nation’s Capital.”
Democratic congressional candidates Darren Parry and Devin Thorpe: Google search: “How to stand out without money or media.”
Congressman John Curtis: Google search: “How to protect the environment and address climate change while representing a very conservative congressional district.”
Republican lieutenant governor running mate Deidre Henderson: Google search: “Tips for running a campaign while recovering from COVID-19 and quarantining at home.”
Congressman Chris Stewart: “The High Art of Using the Threat of Socialism to Achieve Political Aims.”
Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Brad Wilson: Google search: “How to flex legislative branch muscle by calling a special session with a multitude of topics.”
Frank Pignanelli: “Alexa, how do I construct a face mask that allows me to drink wine?”
LaVarr Webb: “Another Top Benefit of Zoom: No One Can See the Chicken Poop on Your Farm Boots.”
Did first-ever virtual conventions change any minds?
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
The 2020 national political conventions are over, both of them historic and unprecedented thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. We examine the impact of the Republican extravaganza last week on Utah and national politics.
Did the GOP convention give President Donald Trump a boost in the base and among the undecided in Utah? What were convention themes that will impact Utah political races this November?
Pignanelli: “To best describe the Republican convention, I quote the great earthy Hollywood star Mae West, who said “too much of a good thing … is wonderful.” You can’t watch for an hour without Donald Trump being on.” — Mark Shields, PBS
Both conventions prove that politics follow the laws of physics.
For example, an object will remain at rest unless changed by an external force. President Trump broke tradition by appearing all four days during the convention, serving notice he will be an aggressive force in campaigning. Democrat nominee Joseph Biden has no choice but to respond appropriately through more personal, less structured, interactions.
Second, force is equal to a change in momentum. Trump is attempting to alter Biden’s lead in the polls with unprecedented use of incumbent powers in a convention setting. In an amazing display, he pardoned the reformed convict, welcomed Americans held prisoner, congratulated new citizens, thanked first responders and received praise from beneficiaries of programs. These activities were counter propellants while energizing the base.
For every action in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction. The Democrats produced a well-crafted convention promising a dystopian future if Trump is reelected. The GOP painted an equally disturbing nightmare if Biden succeeds. Democrats promoted diversity and Republicans responded. Indeed, the best speakers last week were people of color: Sen. Tim Scott, Ambassador Nikki Haley, Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron, etc.
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but transformed to another form. Passionate speeches replaced any discussion of policy.
Both campaigns will now attempt to defy gravity.
Webb: I thought the Republican convention was very effective and I expect it will give Trump a bump in Utah and nationally. The pageantry and stagecraft were superior to the Democratic convention, despite the Dems’ use of Hollywood celebrities. By contrast, the Republicans highlighted everyday heroes with compelling personal stories, and they were more convincing than the celebrities backing Joe Biden.
Republicans reached out far beyond their base with a remarkable diversity of speakers, most with positive, uplifting messages about the opportunity and greatness of America. The highlight was the many eloquent and persuasive Black Americans, all outspoken in their support for Trump.
In fact, many of the speakers were so good that Trump should switch places with Joe Biden and lock himself in the basement for the next two months. I’m only half-joking. Trump’s loyal supporters made a better case for Trump than he makes for himself. He should let these sensible, wholesome, uplifting regular citizens be the face of the campaign, not his ego and self-promotion.
If Trump could stop tweeting, stop going off on nonsensical tangents, and personally reflect the heartfelt goodness exhibited in the convention, he could actually win this thing.
The GOP opted out of a platform and instead passed a resolution stating, “The Republican Party has and will continue to enthusiastically support the president’s America-first agenda.” Is this the beginning of a trend?
Pignanelli: Since 1856, the GOP has articulated a platform of promises to voters. So, the 2020 truncated statement is fostering cynical allegations of a personality cult dominating the party. But honestly, who really reads platforms of political parties other than academics, ultra-activists and opponents looking for attack gems? National Democrats created an 80-page platform document never mentioned during prime time.
As political convocations evolve, detailed platforms of mainstream parties become extinct.
Webb: No one ever pays attention to platforms, so no big loss. But even without a GOP platform, the two conventions did present stark contrasts between the two parties and their candidates. Anyone who watched both conventions has a clear choice.
I believe both parties include very good, well-meaning people who want what’s best for America. But, having watched both conventions, a fundamental difference is that Democrats believe that government, with its inherent use of coercion and tax dollars, is best positioned to fix America’s problems. Republicans want a greater reliance on individual freedom, responsibility and the private sector. Both philosophies can be taken to dangerous extremes, of course, but the Republican philosophy of limited government, more freedom, low taxes and personal responsibility has greater appeal to me.
Do both events confirm that virtual conventions will become permanent features for national and state politics?
Pignanelli: Future business meetings, including political gatherings, will be a hybrid of personal and web-based participation. Trump’s demolishing of almost every sacred tradition (many of them silly) will ease the development of changes.
Webb: The virtual conventions grew on me as the days went by. The wide variety of activities in symbolic locations (Republicans did it especially well) created faster-moving and more interesting conventions than watching speaker after speaker at the same podium before the same crowd, with numerous applause lines that slow down a speech.
Considering how quickly both parties had to change plans and go virtual, the conventions were remarkably entertaining, substantive and effective.
Hoopla-less conventions probably won’t change many minds
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
The national political party conventions are mostly virtual this year, minus all the hoopla and excitement of a traditional convention. This raises a variety of questions.
The Democratic convention concluded on Thursday. Did Utahns and other Americans pay attention to the mostly recorded speeches, and will the convention give Joe Biden a boost? Is the virtual convention a permanent feature for national and state politics?
Pignanelli: “The Democrat keynote addresses … touched all the erogenous zones of the body politic.” – Mark Shields, PBS
Political conventions are like snow cones in the summer: sweet to some, too sugary and unappealing to others, melting fast then soon forgotten. This season, the audience is much lower than four years ago, which is significant because viewership has been dropping for decades.
Some programming, such as the showcasing of rising stars, was mediocre. Strong performances included Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, and famous Republicans crossing lines (i.e. John Kasich, Colin Powell). The introduction to Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris was compelling. Few details regarding programs of a potential Biden Administration were provided. The substance and emotion were focused on critiquing and ousting the incumbent.
Politicos doubted a convention activity could appeal without thousands of delegates cheering and demonstrating momentum. But the country has grown accustomed to web-based pre-prepared presentations. Instead of speaking to a packed gallery using teleprompters and delivering applause lines, many presenters delivered a more personal connection to viewers. Further, the event obliterated future needs for real-time roll calls and live keynote speakers.
Virtual conventions can efficiently project a party’s candidates and messaging. Plus, they are less messy than a traditional snow cone.
Webb: It’s still amazing to me how we ended up with two old duffers as presidential candidates instead of giving a new generation a chance. (I’m old, but people older than me are also duffers.) I slogged through much of the Democratic convention and mostly learned that the Democrats are trying their best to get me to vote for Donald Trump even though I greatly dislike much about him.
The convention was glitzy with a lot of inspirational talk, but policywise it was the same old liberal dogma of identity politics, bigger government programs, higher taxes and more regulation. The only speakers who focused on policy were leftists like Bernie Sanders who promoted ultra-liberal wish lists and promised Biden would deliver government-mandated utopia.
The Democrats expect to win simply by being anti-Trump, not by selling a sensible policy agenda. With their emphasis on victimhood, “structural racism” and supporting protests that turned into violent riots, I doubt they convinced many middle America voters to support Biden.
What are the themes that emerged from the convention, and what will be the impact on Utah political races this November?
Pignanelli: Utahns understand Biden is a decent family person, possessing deep caring for the common people. These themes were consistently highlighted during the convention. Attention to Biden’s exemplary character is needed to help deflect expected attacks on the progressive elements of his platform.
Niceness is rarely a quality needed for presidential aspirations, but this year such a characteristic could be important for some Utahns.
Webb: All the Democratic presidential candidates, including Biden, tilted far left during the primary to try to win the liberal Democratic base. I heard nothing policywise in the convention to bring the party back to the middle. While there was lip service to love of country, there were also nods to the radical groups that want to fundamentally uproot traditional American culture.
Even though Biden is an honorable person, his party is more far left than I’ve seen in my lifetime. The Democratic makeover of America will mean abortion up to the moment of birth (with federal funding), onerous climate change measures, attacks on religious freedom, weak foreign policy, higher taxes, bigger government with ever-ballooning debt, and a liberal judiciary that ignores constitutional originalism.
So what’s more dangerous — Trump’s egomania, or a leftist conquest of the country?
The Republican convention opens this week. As with the Democrats, will the GOP scare or bore the audience?
Pignanelli: No convention is complete without demonizing opponents through frightening the audience with threats of a dystopian future if the other side prevails. Threats of unconstitutional tyranny and societal disintegration were repeated all last week. Rioting in the streets, unchecked violence and big brother government are likely scenarios to be described by the GOP messaging if they are not returned to power. But a more productive, although boring, necessity is a listing of achievements that are often lost in the din of the media and tweets from you know who. That will be the true challenge for Republicans.
Webb: I don’t think either convention will change many minds. Trump needs to lay out a positive agenda for a second term and then be far more disciplined in his messaging instead of going off on weird tangents several times a day.
I don’t like the highly-flawed Trump, but I can’t abide the thought of turning the entire federal government over to Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer.
Kamala Harris completes Biden’s ticket. Next up: conventions
This year did not disappoint, but this election season has been like no other. We explore the impacts on our lovely state.
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
For many decades, summers leading to national party conventions have provided entertainment, intrigue, posturing and strategy. This year did not disappoint, but this election season has been like no other. We explore the impacts on our lovely state.
Vice President Mike Pence and California Sen. Kamala Harris will be squaring off in the only vice presidential debate at the University of Utah on Oct. 7. What will be the implications on local politics of Joe Biden’s selection of Harris as his running mate?
Pignanelli: “Black women have long stood as the bridge between despair and relief for American democracy and long impacted the landscape of politics for centuries. … Black women bring a radical reimagination and envisioning of America.” — Jamar A. Boyd II
In fall 2008, the country was confronting the Great Recession. Democrats nominated an African American as a presidential nominee, and Republicans offered a woman as a vice presidential contender. This unprecedented diversity at the highest levels reminded Americans, in a difficult time, of our country’s greatness.
Supporting or disagreeing with Harris’ past and current policies is an appropriate — and necessary — exercise of democracy. But especially in this present turmoil, the importance of her on the ballot must not be dismissed. Harris was selected for her characteristics, prompting a long-overdue recognition of the contributions made by Black and Indian Americans.
Harris is unlikely to alter the outcome of Utahns’ preference for president in November. But she will make a difference. As with the candidacies of Barack Obama and Sarah Palin 12 years ago, Utahns should find comfort that our nation is a vibrant beacon of confidence. Hopefully, this increases voter participation and civic engagement.
Webb: I’m not a fan of Kamala Harris as she’s far too liberal for me. But I congratulate her and Joe Biden on the historic nature of her selection. That’s worth celebrating.
Unfortunately, her selection was somewhat diminished by Biden’s announcement that he would only consider women as his running mate, thereby excluding half the population solely because of their gender. That is blatant gender discrimination — affirmative action in vice presidential selections.
It would have been much better had Biden selected Harris based on her qualifications, because she was simply the best choice. Certainly, a prospective vice president’s gender can be one factor in a selection. Deciding that a woman balances the ticket is a legitimate strategy. But announcing in advance that all men were excluded from consideration because they are men was a great example of sexism.
It’s important to remember that if Biden wins, Harris will likely be the Democratic presidential nominee 2024. A President Harris is not a comforting thought. I disagree with her on many issues, especially her position on abortion, taxes and her savaging of conservative judicial nominees.
For more than a century, the Republican and Democrat national conventions were huge events that attracted global attention. This year they will be minor electronic activities with little or no live audiences. Is this just an outlier because of the pandemic or a trend of the future?
Pignanelli: A weird political nerd, I watched every national convention of both parties since 1976. Over time, they have become increasingly irrelevant to millions of television viewers. Networks decreased coverage as a result. The pandemic illuminated that society disregards this once important activity. (Utah party delegates voted at unprecedented levels this year, demonstrating a preference for an electronic format over a convention.)
Humans (especially the political subspecies) love social events. So, there will always be organizing and promotional political events to keep activists engaged. But the big national conventions are now a relic.
Webb: The conventions will produce no drama or surprises. But I hope more than just political junkies will pay attention. Listening to the speeches will reveal a lot about the two political parties and their presidential tickets — their ideologies, positions on issues, how far left or right they are, etc.
My guess is both parties will try to keep speakers in the mainstream, hiding their most extreme positions. But watch the speeches and then ask yourself, “Which party, candidates and positions best represent my personal political views?”
Utah’s congressional delegation is split in the level of support for the executive orders issued by President Donald Trump as a backup to congressional failure to extend benefits. Could this become an election issue?
Pignanelli: Candidates not supportive of executive orders will be accused of insensitivity to struggling Americans. Yet, those who do support them will receive similar condemnations. Thus, a campaign issue is born. Unfortunately, this masks Congress again surrendering a fundamental legislative power to the executive branch.
Webb: It was a bit of a surprise that Mitt Romney didn’t lambaste the president for signing executive orders to provide further pandemic relief. I suppose it was an acknowledgement that Congress is paralyzed and unable to get anything done, so the president is filling the vacuum. Democrats have been quick to blast Trump’s executive orders, but Obama did the very same thing multiple times when he couldn’t get Congress to act as he desired.