Democratic Governor Ned Lamont and former Republican Governor M. Jodi Rell agreed at a recent event that incivility in politics and beyond is affecting potential candidates’ decisions to run for office and that change is necessary.
The two were featured in a special program hosted by Connecticut Public in Millard Auditorium at the University of Hartford on Sept. 13. “A Bipartisan Conversation with Governor Ned Lamont and former Governor Jodi Rell” focused on civility in politics and society, with moderator Lucy Nalpathanchil of Connecticut Public. The Hartford Courant also covered the event. (It can also be read with UHart credentials via the ProQuest database.)
This is the latest political event hosted by the University, as President Joe Biden spoke in Lincoln Theater in June, and secretary of the state candidates engaged in a debate in Lincoln last fall.
“Being here tonight is a part of public service for us,” said Rell, who was Connecticut’s 87th governor from 2004 until 2011. “And it’s being able to show that we do get along because people don’t always know.”
Lamont added, “People see anger and vitriol on TV, and they think that’s politics. I hope we show that’s the exception. Things are getting done, and people are working together, and I want them feeling good about what we’re trying to do.”