On Tuesday evening, December 9, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Utah Governor Spencer Cox will convene at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., to discuss the current state of American politics. The meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m., will be moderated by NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, co‑anchor of TODAY and Chief Legal Correspondent. The governors, representing Democratic and Republican parties respectively, will reflect on leadership during crises, extremism, and the importance of building civic life rooted in dignity, safety, and hope.
The Washington National Cathedral, a landmark of spiritual and civic significance, will host the event as part of a broader series titled “A Better Way: Sacred Values for Civic Life.” The cathedral’s spacious nave and acoustics provide an appropriate backdrop for the dialogue. The event will open with a panel of experts on democracy, faith, and society, moderated by Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith, before the governors take the stage.
Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, has served as the state’s chief executive since 2023. Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican from Utah, has held the office since 2021. Their partnership across party lines underscores a willingness to engage in bipartisan conversation. Both leaders have highlighted the need for respectful dialogue amid a political climate marked by heightened polarization.
Savannah Guthrie, known for her work on NBC’s TODAY, will guide the discussion. Her role as Chief Legal Correspondent brings a legal perspective to the conversation. Guthrie’s moderation will focus on ensuring that the dialogue remains constructive, with an emphasis on shared values and common goals for the nation’s future.
Prior to the governors’ conversation, a panel featuring scholars and practitioners will discuss democracy, faith, and society. Dean Randy Hollerith, the cathedral’s dean, will moderate the session. The panel aims to frame the broader context in which the governors will discuss leadership, drawing connections between civic values and practical governance.
The series “A Better Way: Sacred Values for Civic Life” seeks to explore how faith and civic engagement intersect. By bringing together political leaders, religious figures, and community experts, the program hopes to highlight pathways toward a more inclusive and resilient society. The Washington National Cathedral has long served as a venue for national dialogue on moral and civic issues.
Both Pennsylvania and Utah have experienced political violence in recent years. In Pennsylvania, an assassination attempt on President Trump occurred in Butler, a tragic event that underscored the dangers of extremism. In Utah, the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University added to the state’s concerns about political violence. These incidents serve as a backdrop for the governors’ discussion on safety and civic hope.
Viewers can watch the event live on NBC10’s streaming platform. The station will also send a push alert to remind viewers of the broadcast. The program’s timing, 7 p.m. on December 9, is designed to accommodate a broad audience. The combination of a high‑profile moderator, bipartisan governors, and expert panelists promises a substantive conversation about America’s political future.
As the nation confronts challenges of extremism and political division, the conversation between Governors Shapiro and Cox at the Washington National Cathedral offers a moment of reflection and potential bridge‑building. By focusing on dignity, safety, and hope, the dialogue aims to inspire citizens and leaders alike to pursue a more united civic life.
