Two US Governors — a Democrat and a Republican — on Why There’s Hope for Democracy | On the Spot

Overview

Democratic Governor Matt Meyer of Delaware and Republican Governor J. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma discuss bipartisan strategies to rebuild trust in government, address political polarization, and tackle pressing issues like education, economic inequality, and the role of technology in governance. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, integrity, and focusing on practical solutions to improve the lives of citizens.

Notable Quotes

- The states created the federal government, not the other way around. Congress has about a 15% approval rating right now, and states are where the ideas and innovation come from. – J. Kevin Stitt, on the importance of state-led governance.

- The way we restore trust in government is we deliver for people. If we keep sewage out of their basement and answer 911 calls quickly, we will win back the American people. – Matt Meyer, on rebuilding trust through effective governance.

- We need to make sure we control the technology and the technology doesn’t control us. – Matt Meyer, on the role of AI in education.

🗳️ Restoring Trust in Government

- J. Kevin Stitt emphasized the importance of returning to the principles of federalism, where states act as 50 laboratories of democracy to address issues like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

- Matt Meyer highlighted the need for governments to focus on delivering tangible results in areas like education, public safety, and infrastructure to rebuild trust. He noted that bipartisan support often emerges when governments address basic needs effectively.

📺 Combating Polarized Realities

- Both governors acknowledged the challenges of governing in an era of polarized information and echo chambers.

- Matt Meyer compared the need for data-driven decision-making in governance to the objectivity required in his wife’s work as an emergency room physician.

- J. Kevin Stitt stressed the importance of humanizing political opponents and fostering respectful debate, noting that personal connections can bridge ideological divides.

🌍 Innovative State-Level Solutions

- J. Kevin Stitt shared Oklahoma’s Be a Neighbor initiative, which connects nonprofits, churches, and state resources to address social issues collaboratively. He also highlighted the state’s focus on fiscal responsibility and energy innovation.

- Matt Meyer discussed Delaware’s efforts to improve affordability, including building the state’s first medical school, streamlining permitting processes, and developing new energy sources to reduce costs for residents.

📚 The Role of AI in Education

- Both governors see AI as a transformative tool for education, enabling personalized learning and addressing disparities in student skill levels.

- Matt Meyer advocated for using AI to replace outdated standardized testing and provide real-time assessments tailored to individual students.

- J. Kevin Stitt emphasized AI’s potential to help teachers address learning gaps, such as providing foundational skills to students who are behind grade level.

🇺🇸 Hope for American Democracy

- J. Kevin Stitt underscored the importance of preserving the American Dream, emphasizing equal opportunities rather than equal outcomes. He called for integrity in politics and a focus on uniting Americans around shared values.

- Matt Meyer reflected on his time as a U.S. diplomat in Iraq, where teamwork among Americans from diverse backgrounds inspired him to seek unity in governance. He encouraged Americans to engage in empathetic dialogue with those who hold different views.