On Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Utah Governor Spencer Cox gathered at the Washington National Cathedral for a televised discussion about the current state of American politics.
Event Overview
The program is scheduled to begin with a special panel of experts on democracy, faith and society. Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith will moderate this opening segment, setting the stage for the governors’ conversation that follows.
Governors and Their Parties
Governor Shapiro, a Democrat, and Governor Cox, a Republican, represent the two major political parties in the United States. Their participation underscores a bipartisan effort to address shared concerns about the nation’s political climate.
Moderation and Timing
NBC Co‑anchor of TODAY and Chief Legal Correspondent Savannah Guthrie will moderate the governors’ discussion. The moderated segment is slated to start at 7 p.m., with the full program available for viewing at 8 p.m. in the player located above the event’s description.
Topics of Discussion
During the moderated segment, the governors will reflect on leadership in moments of crisis. They will also discuss extremism and explore ways to build civic life rooted in dignity, safety and hope.
Context of Political Violence
Both Pennsylvania and Utah have experienced political violence in recent years. In Pennsylvania, the assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler has left a lasting impact. In Utah, the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has further highlighted the urgency of addressing extremist threats.
Series Significance
This event is part of a broader series at the Washington National Cathedral titled “A Better Way: Sacred Values for Civic Life.” The series aims to bring together leaders and thinkers to examine how faith and civic responsibility intersect.
How to Watch the Event
Viewers can stream the entire program through the player provided above the event’s description. The event will be available for viewing at 8 p.m. on the evening of December 9.
The Cathedral’s Role
The Washington National Cathedral serves as the venue for this important dialogue. It provides a setting that reflects the solemnity and significance of the topics to be addressed.
The Panel of Experts
Prior to the governors’ conversation, the program will open with a panel of experts. These experts will discuss democracy, faith, and society, offering a foundation for the subsequent moderated discussion.
The Moderating Panel
Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith will guide the opening panel, ensuring that the conversation remains focused on the themes of civic life and shared values.
The Moderated Segment
Savannah Guthrie will steer the conversation between Shapiro and Cox, prompting them to share insights on leadership and crisis management.
Audience Engagement
The event invites viewers to consider how leaders from opposing parties can collaborate on common goals. It also encourages reflection on the role of dignity, safety, and hope in civic life.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox will discuss politics at Washington National Cathedral on Dec 9.
- The moderated discussion begins at 7 p.m., with the full program available at 8 p.m.
- The event is part of the “A Better Way: Sacred Values for Civic Life” series, featuring a panel of experts and a moderated segment.
The gathering of governors from both major parties in a historic cathedral setting highlights a shared commitment to addressing the nation’s political challenges. It offers viewers an opportunity to hear directly from leaders about how to navigate crises, confront extremism, and build a civic life grounded in dignity, safety, and hope.
