Utah Governor Spencer Cox will release a new book titled Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt next month, according to a report published August 27. The book details Cox's attempts to reduce political polarization and his personal experiences dealing with the fallout of partisan conflict.
In the book, Cox describes several interactions intended to de-escalate political tensions. He recounts a meeting on August 9, 2023, in Salt Lake City where he suggested to President Joe Biden that a pardon for Donald Trump could help interrupt the cycle of partisan retribution. Cox also details writing a letter to Trump following an assassination attempt against him, urging the former president to use the moment to unify the country.
Cox notes that his efforts to find a middle ground have often been met with significant backlash. He describes experiencing dark and lonely periods, including feelings of despair and depression, after his 2024 endorsement of Trump led to criticism from allies and friends. His wife, Abby Cox, noted the emotional toll these decisions took on him during that time.
The book also addresses the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah, an event Cox says made his research on political violence feel more pertinent. Cox claims that his ability to maintain a positive relationship with the Trump administration allowed him to lead the official response to the incident without interference, helping to prevent further national escalation.
Cox emphasizes that his goal is not to promote mere civility, which he views as a superficial politeness, but to address the underlying issue of contempt—the belief that those with different values are unworthy of engagement. He maintains that while he remains a partisan who wants his team to win, he believes healthy conflict is foundational to democracy.
