Colorado Governor Jared Polis is taking a unique approach to the incoming Trump administration, contrasting with the reactions of other Democratic governors. While some are focusing on finding common ground or preparing for potential legal battles, Polis has engaged in public back-and-forth with the President-elect, notably over the repeal of regulations and potential federal actions.
Polis's recent actions, including the public shredding of outdated executive orders and the social media exchange with Vivek Ramaswamy, highlight a distinct strategy. He publicly reposted Ramaswamy's call for government efficiency and engaged in dialogue on potentially closing a federal cheese facility. This approach stands in stark contrast to the more confrontational tactics employed by some of his Democratic counterparts.
This approach, however, has drawn criticism from some Democratic activists. Polis's seemingly conciliatory stance, including his support for President-elect Trump's nomination of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has raised eyebrows within his own party. Some view this as a willingness to compromise that could be seen as a deviation from traditional Democratic opposition.
Polis's supporters, however, view his actions as consistent with his personal philosophy. His libertarian leanings, evident in his resistance to pandemic mandates and focus on economic policies, underpin his approach. He defends his approach by emphasizing the potential for gaining bipartisan support on issues.
The governor's decision to prioritize cooperation, despite disagreement on some policies, is proving divisive. While some Democratic strategists express concern about the long-term political implications of this strategy, others see it as a pragmatic approach to navigating the new administration.
Polis's actions are particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of Trump's ongoing focus on immigration and alleged issues in Aurora, Colorado. The President-elect used the recent local incident to bolster his anti-immigration agenda, drawing a direct contrast with Polis's previous support of immigrant communities. The governor's stance on immigration, emphasizing the need to focus on criminal activity rather than blanket deportations, further illustrates the potential for tension.
Polis, while acknowledging the need for concerns regarding the potential threat to democratic norms from the incoming administration, is striving to find common ground while maintaining his own principles. The political landscape is undergoing a change, and how Polis navigates this new reality may influence the future course of Democratic governance.
