Cox criticizes 'conflict entrepreneurs' in wake of Kirk's death

[DrFunkenstein]

Source: The Hill

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) criticized technology companies as “conflict entrepreneurs” that have turned Americans against each other, suggesting the public needs to reclaim its agency.

“I can’t emphasize enough the damage that social media and the internet is doing to all of us, those dopamine hits. These companies, trillion dollar market caps, the most powerful companies in the history of the world have figured out to how to hack our brains, get us addicted to outrage, which is the same type of dopamine, the same chemical that you get from taking fentanyl, get us addicted to outrage, and get us to hate each other,” Cox said in an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press.”

Cox, a moderate Republican, said he has seen the phenomenon play out “in real time since the tragic death of Charlie Kirk” and in “every corner of our society.”
...
In an interview Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Cox said that although Kirk said “some very inflammatory things,” he “also said some other things about forgiveness.”

Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5503089-cox-criticizes-conflict-entrepreneurs-charlie-kirk-death/

[johnnyfins]

1. "Get us addicted to outrage"

Uh, how about starting with FOX NEWS and POTUS!!!!!!!°

[cstanleytech]

15. You forgot radio.

[johnnyfins]

2. Cox should stop talking. He may be taken over

By the Feds soon...

[thomski64]

21. First ever shooting at a school..

...that Repukes seem to give a shit
about...

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

3. "Cox said that although Kirk said "some very inflammatory things"

Ah..they are starting to admit..Kirk was a hate speaker

[RockRaven]

4. Says the hypocritical fucker who vocally wished the shooter was an immigrant.

Fuck you, Cox.

[DrFunkenstein]

6. Here's The "Prayer" If Anyone Missed It:

""I was praying that if this had to happen here, that it wouldn't be one of us. That somebody drove from another state, somebody came from another country."

[pat_k]

20. Extend the guy a little grace.

Last edited Tue Sep 16, 2025, 12:43 AM - Edit history (1)

I don't see the intent behind his prayer as a hope that the shooter was an immigrant.

I see it as a heartfelt reaction. A sort of fervent hope that "no one in my family committed this crime." His "family" is his state. His country.

Was it an asinine prayer? You betcha.

Was it motived by ill will toward people from other countries? Perhaps. But I think probably not.

To the extent that the statement reflects that he feels a deeper connection to the residents of Utah and the residents of the U.S., not great. Sure. He doesn't have a sense of global citizenship and that is something that deserves to be noted and brought to his attention as hurtful. But I don't see it as some unforgivable statement of bigotry.

[RedWhiteBlueIsRacist]

5. Sorry Mr Cox, no company has figured out how to hack my brain. And get this, no religion has hacked it either!

[ananda]

7. He doesn't sound all that moderate to me.

I mean, he was praying for the shooter not
to be "one of us," meaning white republican
jesus.

[pat_k]

22. A couple points

The work he is doing with Wes Moore and other governors:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143530022#post12

His statement when he vetoed HB11 (a ban on transgender students participating in school sports) is one example of "walking the walk."
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220636610#post3

Also, my reply above about his misguided prayer:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143530022#post20

Is the man a liberal saint? No fucking way.

However, he is one of the few remaining Republicans who has not lost his mind. By his actions, he has earned a little grace from people who embrace essential American values -- values like human-rights, rule of law, religious freedom, self-governance, and economic justice, and the thinking underlying those values, among them rationality, compassion as a moral imperative, and scientific inquiry

And furthermore, he is SPOT ON about the damage being done by Conflict Entrepreneurs. If you have any doubt about that, I suggest you visit the Center for Humane Technology and listen to their Your Undivided Attention podcasts.

[vanlassie]

8. He also, when he was about to give up the mic after doing his bit

of thoughts and prayers on day one, decided to finish with a rousing cry of “Make no mistake-this was political!”

[Ponietz]

9. Anyone disagree that X, Meta, TicToc, etc. are conflict entrepeneurs?

They’re destroying humanity. Isn’t it ironic that the social media platforms the Nepalese protesters want so badly will tear their culture apart?

[pat_k]

24. Yes. He is spot on on this.

And to anyone who has any doubts about his, I suggest you visit the Center for Humane Technology and listen to their Your Undivided Attention podcasts.

And I think Spencer Cox is a lot more than most people know.

The work he is doing with Wes Moore and other governors:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143530022#post12

His statement when he vetoed HB11 (a ban on transgender students participating in school sports) is one example of "walking the walk."
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220636610#post3

Also, my reply above about his misguided prayer:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143530022#post20

Is the man a liberal saint? No fucking way.

However, he is one of the few remaining Republicans who has not lost his mind. By his actions, he has earned a little grace from people who embrace essential American values -- values like human-rights, rule of law, religious freedom, self-governance, and economic justice, and the thinking underlying those values, among them rationality, compassion as a moral imperative, and scientific inquiry

[Just Jerome]

10. "every corner"

So, "both sides"

[Norrrm]

11. Do you forgive Robinson? Do you recommend Mrs. Kirk forgive the killer?

[pat_k]

12. In defense of Spencer Cox,

He, along with Wes Moore and others are doing good work, denouncing the dehumanizing rhetoric, reconnecting to compassion. For example, Wes Moore's hallmark legislation and work to expand funding for a service year after high school is something that is truly a step in the right direction. And Spencer Cox has championed a similar program in Utah. And they are working with other governors to promote similar legislation in other states.

People actually working together in the real world, engaged in service, could become a crucial counter weight to the toxic world of the "chronically online."

I highly recommend this forum. Time codes for sections below.

With Malice Toward None, With Charity for All, 2/21/24
https://www.youtube.com/live/8SFSkWxUxeo

The entire program is worthwhile, but the section with Spencer Cox and Wes Moore (14:01 to 51:29) is a must see for anyone looking for signs of hope in a bleak political landscape.

37 minutes
14:01 to 51:29
Keynote: Spencer Cox and Wes Moore

44 minutes
52:15 to 1:28:44
Panel
Dr. Timothy Shriver
Ruth Okejiji
Rachel Brand
Donna Brazile

1:28:30 to 1:55:00
Panel
Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson
Joshua Dubois
Peter Wehner
Judge Thomas Griffith
Dr. Timothy Shriver

[LeftInTX]

13. Cox WAS the chair of the National Governor's Association. His tenure ended in July 2024

So, he may be more partisan again.

I thought he still was, but I looked it up. If he was, I would find him more credible. However, I do think because he previously held a very prominent non-partisan position, that he would be somewhat careful about what he says.

It looks like they alternate parties, each year.

2014–2015 John Hickenlooper Colorado Democratic
2015–2016 Gary Herbert Utah Republican
2016–2017 Terry McAuliffe Virginia Democratic
2017–2018 Brian Sandoval Nevada Republican
2018–2019 Steve Bullock Montana Democratic
2019–2020 Larry Hogan Maryland Republican
2020–2021 Andrew Cuomo New York Democratic
2021–2022 Asa Hutchinson Arkansas Republican
2022–2023 Phil Murphy New Jersey Democratic
2023–2024 Spencer Cox Utah Republican
2024–2025 Jared Polis Colorado Democratic
2025–present Kevin Stitt Oklahoma Republican

[pat_k]

19. As someone else posted to another thread,

... his statement when he vetoed HB11 (a ban on transgender students participating in school sports) is one example of "walking the walk."

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220636610#post3

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

14. "Conflict entrepreneur" seems to describe Kirk's career and business plan.

Exploit conflict and make a good living at it. It beats having a real job.

[pat_k]

23. It does indeed.

Charlie Kirk's Killing and Our Poisonous Internet
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/opinion/charlie-kirk-shooting-internet.html?unlocked_article_code=1.mE8.d5PF.iLN9T5JrVT-f&smid=url-share

...
The only thing that can be said conclusively about Mr. Robinson, at this moment, is that he was a chronically online, white American male.
...
Today’s internet for most Americans, but especially for those like Mr. Robinson, who came of age on social and streaming platforms, is an immeasurably potent vibes machine. One powered by a complex fuel of negative emotions — hatred, rage, hopelessness, nihilism, grievance, cynicism, paranoia, discontent and addiction. It’s a machine more than capable of constructing false realities and corroding our lived experiences.

Intent, meaning and sincerity are near-valueless concepts in this realm, while things like knowledge, understanding and good faith — critical elements to any healthy public sphere — have been gradually distorted beyond the point of recognition, or abandoned completely.
...
The combative and rage-bait style that Mr. Kirk pioneered has become the dominant mode for the right. And it’s probably more accurate to say this is how many young Americans as a whole exist on the internet today, trolling and provoking anyone who crosses their paths.
...
That his killer might have been in pursuit of a similar moment of viral conflict is a grim encapsulation of the nightmare cesspit we’ve entered.

The internet machine is now operating out in the open, in front of everyone’s eyes, and as long as that continues unchecked, our ability to make meaning of the world will continue to deteriorate. Empathy, as a human quality, will be snuffed out for those who are chronically online. The memes, and the memetic violence, will continue to proliferate.

[OldBaldy1701E]

16. And, there it is.

Cox, a moderate Republican, said he has seen the phenomenon play out “in real time since the tragic death of Charlie Kirk” and in “every corner of our society.”

It has bene playing out in real time for decades now. You just did not want to say anything because it was your side that was using it to advantage. Now that the advantage is gone, they want to act as if they did not want it either.

Pathetically hypocritical behavior. And, typical.



("I get so hung up on my bones!" )

[DrFunkenstein]

17. In Fairness, He Did Call J6 People "Evil" and "Terrorists"

Here's his speech in full:

Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman, my fellow Utahns.

I come to you this afternoon from the historic Governor’s Mansion with a message I never intended to have to deliver on just my second day on the job.

I don’t have any prepared remarks, but I wanted to speak to you from my heart about what we are seeing across our country today. I am deeply troubled at the chaos, at the devastation, at the cowardly acts of violence that we are seeing in our nation’s Capitol on this day.

As patriots, as Utahns, as Americans, as people who care deeply about each other and care deeply about this great nation, I urge you to stand up and speak out against the violence, against the terrorists, against the evil that we have seen in our nation’s Capitol today.

Now, make no mistake, protesting is a critical piece of American history. It is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a right that we hold and that we bear deeply. I encourage people to exercise that right to peaceably assemble, peaceably come together, to make your voice heard.

But we must condemn in the strongest of terms: violence, personal attacks, the non-peaceful use of peoples’ voice.

Now, fortunately, the protestors here in the state of Utah, so far, have been mostly peaceful. To any of you out there who are considering joining those protests, I ask you to please do so but, again, to do so in the right way — to do so loud, to do so proud, but to do so in a respectful manner and, by no means, resort to violence or property destruction.

I want to thank our first responders, Highway Patrol, Salt Lake City Police Department and other public service officials who are protecting the state’s Capitol and making sure that everyone is safe at these rallies and these protests.

My fellow Utahns, it is not enough now to be silent. It’s not enough to just not participate in the evil that we have seen today. I’m calling on all of you to speak out, to speak up and to let your family, to let your friends, to let your neighbors know, that this is unacceptable. We are better than this in Utah. We are better than this in America. We have been an example to the rest of the world when it comes to our elections, when it comes to the way that we protest, when it comes to the freedoms and the liberties that we so enjoy. And more than ever, we need to show the rest of the world that this is not the way that America does her business. And I trust that Utahns can be that example to the rest of the nation and to the world.

And so today — tonight — I’m asking you to please speak up. Please condemn what you are seeing happening across the country. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, whether you voted for the president or voted for someone else, let’s be better. And let’s be better together.

2021 is going to be an incredible year for all of us. We are moving forward through this pandemic. The end is in sight. Our country will come out of this stronger and more resilient than ever before — but only if each of us do our part. So tonight, let’s do our part.

Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for making Utah an incredible place to live. May God bless you. May God bless the great state of Utah. And, especially tonight, say a prayer that God will bless the United States of America.

Thank you.
https://governor.utah.gov/press/watch-utah-gov-spencer-j-cox-urges-utahns-to-stand-up-and-speak-out-against-violence-at-u-s-capitol/

[pat_k]

26. Further points:

The work he is doing with Wes Moore and other governors:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143530022#post12

His statement when he vetoed HB11 (a ban on transgender students participating in school sports) is one example of "walking the walk."
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220636610#post3

Also, my reply above about his misguided prayer:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143530022#post20

Is the man a liberal saint? No fucking way.

However, he is one of the few remaining Republicans who has not lost his mind. By his actions, he has earned a little grace from people who embrace essential American values -- values like human-rights, rule of law, religious freedom, self-governance, and economic justice, and the thinking underlying those values, among them rationality, compassion as a moral imperative, and scientific inquiry

[OldBaldy1701E]

28. So, I am not familiar with his voting record.

Has he consistently voted for 'human-rights, rule of law, religious freedom, self-governance, and economic justice, and the thinking underlying those values, among them rationality, compassion as a moral imperative, and scientific inquiry.'?

Cox said that although Kirk said “some very inflammatory things,” he “also said some other things about forgiveness.”

And, Hitler was an artist. What does that have to do with his constant calls for death and dissolution?

Stoning gay people is "God's perfect law" - Charlie Kirk

Yeah, fuck that 'also' shit, Your Honor.

[pat_k]

30. Have you looked at the keynote with Wes Moore?

Last edited Tue Sep 16, 2025, 05:11 PM - Edit history (1)

Sure. He's a Republican, but like the other few remaining decent people in that party in state and local government, he has a reputation for engaging in actually finding solutions and finding common ground with Democrats where he can on issues of importance -- like funding a service year after high school. A program that, if given some serious funding, could go a long way to providing opportunities for a whole lot of young people to have a life-changing experience of community service.

I refuse to engage in blanket denigration of people who are engaged in good faith dialog on more issues than not. What we need is a restoration of sanity and willingness to govern for the benefit of the people who elected you. Will there be areas no common ground can be found? Of course! But if more electeds walked in the door with the intent to find common ground and make progress in the areas they do, it would go a long way toward getting back on the road to creating that "more perfect union."

The tragedy is that the reactionary crazies are driving people who are looking to find common ground and make progress out of the Republican Party. I for one am sorry to see people like J.T. Wilcox, a member of the Washington State House, announcing their retirement. Wilcox is a Republican, and subscribes to some policies I think were flat wrong, but he is also an environmental champion who is well respected as a person of deep integrity.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/j-t-wilcox-knows-chicken-farming-but-the-state-republican-wa-lawmakers-heart-is-with-salmon/

On edit: To be clear, Charlie Kirk was absolutely not one of those decent people. They can try to paint him as being willing to engage, but I think many people are crystal clear about the truth. Good faith was absent from his "style" of "debate:

Gish galloping and cherry picked "facts" is not being "good" at debate.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220628593#post59

[OldBaldy1701E]

31. And, again, I do not know this answer.

So, how many times did either of these people decry the extreme right's actions as well as those who are acting like this in the rethug's name?

How many times did they try to stop what their own party was doing to their own constituents?

I don't recall seeing much, if any of that from these individuals, but as I said, I don't know for sure. He may have been the outsider in the party, but I don't recall hearing much about that either. When I read that 'every single rethug' voted for some of the evil things that this regime is doing, that kind of removes any sympathy or reason to 'engage' with what are being touted as 'moderates'.

I just don't recall any of them saying or doing things that would offset their involvement with their attempts at genocide. But, as I stated, I don't know this for sure.

[pat_k]

32. I don't have a tally, but Trump aligned Republicans are often...

...pissed at him.

Sometimes those who call you and enemy can say more about you than those who call you friend.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/13/politics/spencer-cox-republicans-charlie-kirk

As a pro-democracy interviewer whose name escapes me at the moment, be proud of who hates you.

[pat_k]

33. Oh, remembered who the interview was with.

Wajahat Ali interviewing Stuart Stevens. FWIW, it was a good one:

It was Wajahat who said "Be proud of who hates you" in a short bit on giving up the idea that you will EVER get these people to vote for you. There is a great bit about Democrats' disastrous obsession with winning over “Chet” (stereotypical MAGA male) around 16 minutes in.

A few suggestions from Stuart:

Wake up each morning and say it: We're right, they're wrong.

Call them what they are: Racists.

Condemn the appointment of Hegseth -- the town drunk -- call out the people who enabled that craziness.

Point out truths: If a year ago they had said we would have masked men chasing gardeners through Brentwood with a budget larger than the Marines; that there will be armed troops in cities, they would have been dismissed as crazy. (Me: If what is happening was not tolerable -- if it was beyond belief then -- people need to be reminded. Point out "If you had heard..." )

My point on Spencer Cox and others, like folks at Braver Angels, who are working to bridge the divide while holding to our own views with integrity and clearly rejecting those things that are "red lines" for us, is that when someone is willing to actually talk and engage, they deserve some credit for it in our current climate. Reaching out from the "other side" in a good faith effort to make a connection alone is an act of courage in this insane climate.

[pat_k]

34. P.P.S.

BTW, in the With Malice for None forum, there is PLENTY of denouncing trumpism.

[OldBaldy1701E]

35. Cool. As I said, I did not know. (n/t)

[travelingthrulife]

18. I criticize governors who are pushing false information about a suspect.

Pretending a clearly conservative murderer is a liberal.

[pat_k]

27. Yes. Of course EVERYONE should be proceeding with caution about the shooters motives

As stated in this excellent article "Charlie Kirk's Killing and Our Poisonous Internet"
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/opinion/charlie-kirk-shooting-internet.html?unlocked_article_code=1.mE8.d5PF.iLN9T5JrVT-f&smid=url-share

...
The only thing that can be said conclusively about Mr. Robinson, at this moment, is that he was a chronically online, white American male.
...

And this from Elle Reeve:

Link to tweet

I'm keeping an eye on what more Elle Reeve has to say as more solid info emerges.

We are dealing with a very young guy immersed in a culture that is far from straightforward.

Vanity Fair: Groypers, Helldivers 2, Furries: What do the Messages Left by Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Killer Actually Mean?
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-memes-meaning

No paywall:
https://archive.ph/L8tPp

AI Summary of Reeve

Elle Reeve's expertise lies in investigative journalism, particularly focusing on social issues, politics, and the connection between social media and white nationalism, as evidenced by her work on the documentary Right Now, her reporting on the 2017 Charlottesville rally and the January 6th Capitol attack, and her role as a correspondent for CNN. Her background includes working at prestigious publications like The New Republic and The Wire before joining Vice News and subsequently CNN, and she is also the author of the book Black Pill.

Key areas of expertise:

Right-wing extremism and white nationalism
Reeve is known for her in-depth coverage of these movements, including her work at the 2017 Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally and the January 6th Capitol attack.

Social media's impact on extremism
Her expertise includes understanding how online platforms contribute to the rise of radical movements.

Documentary filmmaking
She produced the documentary Right Now, which explores the rise of the American alt-right.

Investigative reporting
Her career includes roles as a senior editor at The New Republic and politics editor at The Wire, highlighting her investigative journalism skills.

[valleyrogue]

25. Does this idiot have plans to run for president in 2028?

He sure sounds like he is. It is constant grandstanding. Let law enforcement officials do their job and STFU about this case.

He has created a shit ton of confusion among the public about the alleged shooter, the alleged roommate, and motive.

[travelingthrulife]

29. YOU just lied to the American public about the shooter being a liberal.

YOU in the GOP are the problem.