Political rivals in Vermont House race perform musical duet after debate

Two candidates competing for a Vermont state House seat drew national attention this past week for an unexpected musical performance after a recent debate.

Lucy Rogers (D) and Zac Mayo (R) asked for a few extra minutes at the end of their debate at a local library and then performed a surprise duet.

{mosads}With Rogers on the cello and Mayo on the guitar, the rivals sang in harmony a rendition of Eddie Vedder’s “Society,” a song whose lyrics speak of a less competitive society.

“It strikes a chord,” Mayo told CBS News. “To say to the world that this is a better way.”

Constituents in the district, Lamoille County, told CBS News that they were moved by the performance, calling it a bright spot of civility in a contentious political climate.

“It gave me a lot of hope,” one voter said.