Photo credit: abcnews.go.com
Colorado Governor Takes Unique Approach to Trump Era
DENVER — In a recent pre-Christmas event, Colorado Governor Jared Polis visually demonstrated his commitment to reducing bureaucratic red tape by literally shredding a collection of decades-old executive orders with an electric saw. This symbolic act was part of a broader initiative to abolish unnecessary regulations, a gesture that drew the attention of a significant figure in the Republican Party, highlighting the complex dynamics of the current political landscape.
Polis’ approach garnered a positive response from Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent Republican aligned with former President Donald Trump who was assigned the task of curbing government expenditures. Ramaswamy’s encouragement struck a chord with Polis, leading to a playful exchange on social media regarding closing down a federal cheese facility in Missouri, further illustrating Polis’ nonconventional and independent brand of politics amid the shifting political climate.
As Democratic governors adapt to Trump’s recent electoral victory—some by seeking common ground, like New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and others like California’s Gavin Newsom gearing up for legal challenges—Polis stands apart. Shortly after the election, he collaborated with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to form a bipartisan coalition aimed at defending democratic principles, a move that echoed past Democratic resistance to Trump’s administration.
However, shortly after that, Polis took a more contentious stance by praising Trump’s nomination of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasizing his past collaborations with Kennedy. Polis clarified his comments by underlining his commitment to vaccination while hoping Kennedy would challenge “big pharma and corporate ag.”
In an interview with The Associated Press, Polis expressed a philosophy that seems rare in today’s deeply divided political atmosphere: “We can get good ideas from the left and the right.” He critiqued the oversimplification of political affiliations, suggesting a more nuanced approach is necessary, reflecting a desire for collaboration over division.
Some Democratic activists reacted with concern to Polis’ comments, fearing his praise for Kennedy could be politically detrimental, especially as some speculate about his potential candidacy for the presidency in 2028. According to Bakari Sellers, a well-known Democratic strategist, this could lead to a reconsideration of Polis’ viability as a national candidate, particularly if voters perceive him as aligning with a controversial administration.
Polis’ supporters, in contrast, defend his actions as quintessentially “vintage Jared.” His libertarian inclinations became evident during the pandemic when he resisted mandates on masks and vaccines, advocated for the elimination of state income taxes, and extolled the virtues of free trade. Observers note that Polis prefers collaboration over confrontation, which distinguishes him from other Democrats, such as Newsom, who have taken a more confrontational stance towards Trump.
Democrat Steve Fenberg, who has collaborated with Polis for years, pointed out that Polis frequently seeks opportunities to work with Trump, even when there are significant policy disagreements. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing collaboration with dissent, especially in light of Trump’s tendency to undermine traditional institutional norms.
Polis has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the new administration on issues like crime but draws a firm line regarding immigration policies that might adversely affect undocumented individuals who have not committed crimes. He emphasized a collaborative approach towards deporting individuals with criminal records while resisting broader mass deportation efforts.
In comments regarding the recent media focus on crime in Colorado, particularly in Aurora—where Trump has drawn attention to alleged crime issues linked to immigration—Polis maintained that crime rates were decreasing overall in the state. He has stated that while he is open to working with Trump on certain matters, fear of disruption to community stability will guide his decisions going forward.
Fenberg remarked that the Democrats’ strategy during Trump’s first term may no longer be effective, suggesting that Polis’ pragmatic approach could serve as a model for how to navigate the new political landscape as an opposition party moving forward.
The evolving political landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for leaders like Polis, who must navigate their principles within a complex web of partisan dynamics.
Source
abcnews.go.com