Press Release

The Bush Center Presents “The Art of Disagreeing Better”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, and KERA’s Krys Boyd take the stage for a conversation on healthy conflict at Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint, on Jan. 22 

DALLAS – On January 22, the George W. Bush Presidential Center welcomes Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, for a conversation on the importance of healthy conflict and respectful discourse at Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint. Krys Boyd, Host and Managing Editor of KERA Radio’s award-winning national program, Think, will lead the conversation featuring the two dynamic leaders.

The program will explore a topic that is a cornerstone of our democracy and much needed during an election year. Differing viewpoints, fervent disagreement, and standing up for firmly-held beliefs are all critical parts of a healthy democracy – but only when they are built atop a foundation of respect and understanding that our political opponents are not our enemies. The Governors will also discuss the National Governors Association’s “Disagree Better” initiative, which Cox launched last year in his role as NGA chair with the goal to “help Americans bridge the partisan divide and adopt a more positive approach to political and social discourse.” Our increasingly diverse nation requires us to “disagree better.”

The program is presented in collaboration with KERA as part of the National Governors Association’s “Disagree Better” initiative. Tickets to attend the conversation are available for purchase here. 

WHAT: The Art of Disagreeing Better   

WHERE: George W. Bush Presidential Center   

2943 SMU Boulevard   

Dallas, TX 75205   

Media will meet at the Bush Center loading dock.    

Event livestream is also available here. 

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22  

6:30 p.m. CT    

MEDIA RSVP: http://www.bushcenter.org/credentials    

Media should credential to attend no later than 5 p.m. CT on Friday, Jan. 19.    

This timely event is connected to the George W. Bush Institute’s work on strengthening our nation’s institutions and reasserting the value of civic participation, principled leadership, and civility. The Bush Institute released a statement last year with 12 other presidential foundations and centers calling for all Americans to recommit to the founding principles that bind us together. And The Pluralism Challenge series examines how respecting differing beliefs is intrinsically tied to a stronger democracy – the series outlines recommendations leaders across the United States should consider adopting. 

Media logistics and directions will be sent out once credentialing closes. For more information, please visit the event page or contact Kinsey Clemmer at [email protected] (580-351-7088).   

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About the George W. Bush Presidential Center 

Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration. Learn more about the Bush Center at bushcenter.org. 

About Engage at the Bush Center, Presented by NexPoint 

The Engage at the Bush Center series, presented by NexPoint, brings newsmakers, thought leaders, and popular figures to the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Thought-provoking, entertaining discussions and experiences allow our guests access to events that only a presidential center can provide.