US political opponents agree to #StandUnited in new viral video

As the US becomes increasingly politically divided, opponents standing united seems like a radical notion. But that’s exactly what Republican Spencer Cox and Democrat Chris Peterson have done in a new unlikely ad.

Utah governor candidates Democrat Chris Peterson and Republican Spencer Cox. Source: Twitter

Both men are running for Utah governor but stood side-by-side in a "public service announcement" posted on Twitter on Monday to show they'll accept whatever result comes out of the upcoming election.

“We can debate issues without debating each other’s character. We can agree to disagree without hating each other,” the video began.

“Win or lose in Utah, we work together. So let’s show the country there’s a better way.”

On Twitter, Mr Cox thanked his opponent for appearing in the ad with him just two weeks before the election.

“No matter who wins the presidential election, we must all commit to a peaceful transfer of power and working together. So please vote and then let’s #standunited for a better America,” he wrote.

While Mr Peterson added, “with the deep divisions in our country, it can take grace and courage to try to work together.”

The video struck a chord with Americans in a climate of political polarisation and disunity.

“I have never seen anything like this and hope it's not the last time,” one person wrote on Twitter.

While another person added, “as a lifelong Republican voting for Biden this is something sorely missed in our country.”

“As someone married to someone of a different political party, different faith and (most significantly) an NFL/MLB rival ... THANK YOU!!!!,” another user wrote.

‘Political polarisation is worsening’

Political polarisation has deepened in the US since the 2016 election, according to the Pew Research Centre.

A 2019 survey, from PRC found that “75 percent of Democrats say Republicans are more closed-minded than other Americans, while 64 percent of Republicans say the same about Democrats”. 

But despite either side of politics becoming more critical of each other, they were also increasingly concerned about the polarised state of the country.

“Overwhelming majorities in both parties (85 percent of Republicans and 78 percent of Democrats) say divisions between the two parties are increasing”, PRC reported.

Microphones will be muted in the final US presidential debate to stop interruptions. Source: AAP

The advertisement by the Utah political hopefuls comes after a heated year of US election campaigns.

Mr Trump has previously refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses November's election.

Ahead of the second US Presidential Debate on Friday, microphones will be muted to stop interruptions after a chaotic first debate.

CNN's Dana Bash said the first debate, which was watched by more than 73 million people, was a complete "shitshow".

During the debate, President Donald Trump mocked Joe Biden’s son’s drug addiction and told the Democratic candidate there’s “nothing smart about you.”

While Mr Biden dubbed the president a “clown” and told him to “shut up.” 

The US election is scheduled to run on November 3, with the second debate to be held on Friday 23 October.