UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, TUCSON — As the 2024 election nears, political tensions remain high, as does blood pressure for many Americans.

However, two former White House staffers, Johanna Maska and Sean Spicer, are calling for a different approach — one based on civility and open dialogue.

The two appeared together at an event at the University of Arizona, The Museum of Democracy Conversation Series hosted by UofA Center for Freedomsharing the stage to discuss the importance of bridging political divides.

Maska, who served as President Barak Obama’s director, emphasized the need for voters to respect the office of the presidency regardless of who wins.

“We have to be respectful of this office,” she said, noting that after the election, the nation must come together to meet its challenges.

Maska added that while voters are passionate, it’s critical to recognize that elections are about more than individual candidates.

“After the election is over, we need to come together to get the future enacted,” she said.

Spicer, a former White House press secretary under former President Donald Trump, echoed Maska’s sentiment. He emphasized that while there are political differences, it is important to listen to opposing views.

“Being willing to listen to the other side” is essential, he said, especially in a country that is “50-50 at best.”

Spicer acknowledged the polarization in the US, advising people to “respect that there is another side that believes (the opposite)”.

Both speakers highlighted the dangers of division. Maska noticed that families are increasingly divided over politics, with some avoiding the subject altogether.

“People get divorced because of politics,” she said. “We are losing what binds us as a family. We are losing what binds us as a country.”

Spicer offered similar advice for navigating political discussions, especially at family gatherings like Thanksgiving.

“Know when to say when,” he advised, suggesting that people should recognize when conversations are getting too tense.

The event caught the attention of students like Bella Knaggs, a journalism major at the University of Arizona.

Knaggs appreciated the opportunity to hear different perspectives, noting that events like this help “get as many voters in the room as possible when the conversation is happening.”

As the election nears, both Maska and Spicer urged voters to stay engaged.

“Your vote matters,” Maska said, reminding attendees that elections have lasting consequences.

Spicer also emphasized the importance of participation, saying, “It’s hard to complain if you didn’t play.”

With political tensions high, both speakers stressed the need for open dialogue, understanding and respect as the nation prepares to make a critical decision in November.