Mysterious Mike

Why does Mike Easley do it?

Why – with all his communications skills – does he work so hard at not communicating?

As Governor, he commands a big microphone.  But Mike won’t use the mike.

Two recent examples:

• He spoke out publicly against the Duke lacrosse DA.  But it turns out he spoke out last month.  In New York. 

• The Governor’s Press Office announced he was making two speeches – with less than an hour’s notice both times.  Reporters had little time to get there.  So the Governor didn’t have to answer many pushy questions.

I know at least one company that invited the Governor to dedicate its new plant.  He agreed.  But that morning – just hours before the event – his office cancelled. 

I’m one to complain.  I worked for Dennis Wicker against Easley in 2000, and he beat us like a drum.  In part because Easley is one of the most articulate, charming and funny people you will meet in public life.

So why not use that big microphone?

Governor Hunt did.  And it helped him make big changes for the state.

Hunt also learned the value of answering tough questions.  He found out things the bureaucrats were hiding from him.

But that’s not Easley’s way.  And he’s obviously comfortable with what he does.  He remains popular.

But his legacy will suffer.  History may say he did not speak out strongly enough on the big issues of his time.