Here’s my take on the article.
Is Bipartisanship Dead? Governors Say “Hold On!”
The idea of Republicans and Democrats working together seems like a fairy tale these days. But a few governors are trying to keep the dream alive, even as the White House throws shade.
- Governors from both parties are trying to work together.
- The President has not always been friendly to this effort.
- Some see governors as a check on executive power.
The “RINO” Rumble: Trump vs. the Governors
It used to be standard practice for the President to invite all the nation’s governors to a White House meeting. Not anymore. President Trump has broken with this tradition, even calling Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, the chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), a “RINO” – Republican In Name Only.
He has also sparred with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, over a sewage issue. This isn’t just about hurt feelings. This is about a President willing to buck tradition and call out those he sees as opposing him, even within his own party.
States Step Up: Holding the Line
With Congress often stuck in partisan gridlock, some governors are seeing themselves as a counterweight to the power of the White House. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, has stated that the states need to “hold the line” against executive overreach.
Moore agrees, suggesting that governors have a special ability to make progress. This is music to our ears. We need strong state leadership to push back against federal overreach and defend our conservative values.
Can Civility Survive?
Despite the tensions, governors like Stitt and Moore are trying to maintain a sense of civility. They claim to agree on roughly 80% of the issues and are willing to have “honest conversations” about the rest.
Stitt even said disagreements are good, as they can lead to better ideas. But is this just wishful thinking? Can these governors truly bridge the divide in such a polarized nation?
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for Us?
This situation highlights a crucial point: the importance of strong state leadership. For too long, we’ve seen power centralized in Washington, D.C., with the federal government dictating policies to the states.
These governors, even with their disagreements, are showing us that states can be a powerful force for good, defending their citizens and pushing back against federal overreach. It’s a reminder that we need to support leaders at the state level who will stand up for our values and protect our freedoms. The future of our nation depends on it.
Can bipartisanship truly exist without sacrificing conservative principles?
