by Ambika Gupta

Colorado’s Democratic Gov. Jared Polis was recognized by Claremont McKenna College’s Dreier Roundtable last week for his work on civil discourse in an increasingly partisan government.

The Dreier Roundtable, which aims to promote civil discourse and nurture future leaders in public service, granted its annual Civility Award to Polis on October 25.

Concerned by hyper-partisanship and polarization in U.S. politics, Polis and Republican Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah created the “Disagree Better Initiative.” The project, within the National Governors Association, encourages governors across the U.S. to model and lead efforts in civil discourse in their communities. The Dreier Roundtable will honor Cox with the same award in November.

“It’s also a challenge for each and every one of us as citizens to reward the kind of behavior among those who aspire to office that elevates our democracy,” Polis said at the ceremony. “Politicians are responsive to the market in politics. They have a job: it’s to get elected. So to a certain extent, the people in the country can kind of look in the mirror.”

One student noted their difficulty in engaging in civil discourse surrounding Donald Trump’s transgender ad attack campaigns. “It can be hard to engage with a person who denies your basic humanity,” Polis said.

“I’m more data driven about what works, and you want to do more of what works and change what doesn’t work,” Polis said when a student asked about his liberation beliefs. “I don’t view (governor) as an ideological position.”

Speaking more broadly on the 2024 presidential candidates, Polis stressed the importance of being genuine. “It seems to be, sadly, one of the things Donald Trump has going for him, because he’s an authentic scoundrel,” Polis said. “I think Kamala [Harris] would benefit from more authenticity, vulnerability about who she is.”

The Dreier Roundtable’s founder David Dreier, CMC trustee and former member of the House of Representatives representing Claremont, worked with Polis when both were in Congress.

Ambika Gupta is a sophomore at Claremont McKenna College studying government and economics.