Three sitting governors gathered in Washington, D.C., to discuss the necessity of civil political discourse and the state of American democracy during a forum hosted by The Pew Charitable Trusts and Disagree Better. The event, held on Feb. 18, featured Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt addressing concerns regarding increasing political polarization in the United States.
Addressing National Polarization
The forum, titled the America at 250 Forum, was organized to mark the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, the discussion focused on how to solve significant national problems through civil conversation and finding common ground. The gathering occurred against a backdrop of data indicating that Americans are increasingly concerned about the growing polarization observed within the government.
Participating Governors
The panel included a diverse group of state leaders representing different political perspectives. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah, who serves as an Honorary Chair of Disagree Better, joined Governor Wes Moore of Maryland and Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma. Governor Moore also serves as the Vice Chair of the National Governors Association, while Governor Stitt serves as the Chair of the National Governors Association.
Forum Leadership and Moderation
The event was moderated by Steve Inskeep, the host of NPR's "Morning Edition." Opening remarks for the forum were delivered by Susan K. Urahn, Ph.D., the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Pew Charitable Trusts. The session aimed to examine the state of U.S. democracy through the lens of these leaders' insights and experiences.
The Role of The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonpartisan fact tank founded in 1948, organized the event to illuminate issues and advance projects intended to create tangible progress. As part of its mission, the organization uses data to address challenges in a changing world, including work in areas such as community building, economic advancement, and federal policy.
Looking Toward the 250th Anniversary
The America at 250 Forum highlighted the ongoing effort to strengthen state governments and support civil discourse as the United States approaches its semiquincentennial anniversary. The discussions emphasized that finding common ground is essential for a strong republic in an era of heightened political division.
Broader Policy Research
The Pew Charitable Trusts also manages various research initiatives and reports that inform public understanding of policy and social trends. Recent organizational focus areas include the flow of federal funding to state governments, mortgage lending standards, and the impact of federal housing laws on states and localities.
Diverse Research Focus Areas
In addition to political discourse, the organization's research covers diverse topics ranging from community violence and homicide rates to environmental protections and economic issues like retirement benefits for workers who cut their hours. These data-driven insights are intended to help build communities and improve economic advancement across the country.
