Overview
- The bipartisan conversation in Washington, D.C., moderated by NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, was interrupted multiple times by protesters inside the cathedral.
- Shapiro said President Donald Trump is failing a basic test of moral clarity by not consistently condemning political violence.
- Cox cautioned the United States is passing checkpoints toward “failed states” or even “civil war” and urged Americans to treat opponents with dignity.
- On social media’s role, Cox backed a federal ban on platforms for under-16s, citing Australia’s new restriction, while Shapiro rejected a ban and promoted digital-literacy education.
- Their appeals drew on recent attacks: investigators say Cody Balmer firebombed the Pennsylvania governor’s residence, and conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a Utah event in September.