Archive for 2016
Down the river we go
When Carter and I speak to groups, we often compare politicians to ants on a log floating down a river. The ant thinks: “I’ve got this log going good!” But the river is running things. So it is this election. A year ago, everybody thought it would Jeb Bush vs. Hillary. In North Carolina, we…
Read MoreThe Second District: Food Stamps
In George Holding’s race with Renee Ellmers there’re two issues that no one’s talked much about and which haven’t received a lot of attention. But they should. The first, and most important, more or less defines the difference between George Holding and Renee Ellmers. And the political sleight of hand going on in this…
Read MoreSeriously, Pat?
The federal government is “overreaching?” And forcing the state to make a decision too quickly? That’s your response after taking just a few hours to pass one of the worst examples of state government overreach since the Speaker Ban Law? As a TAPster wrote, “After McCrory’s flip flop on HB 2, the governor’s mansion is…
Read MoreObama and the GOP
Earlier this week, I blogged about the President’s speech at the White House Correspondents Dinner – and his accomplishments in office. Also this weekend, an article in Sunday’s The New York Times Magazine brought to mind the striking contrast between Obama and the Republicans in Congress. In September 2008, less than two months before the…
Read MoreSpecial Elections and a Look Inside a Political Campaign
For one reason or another I haven’t blogged in awhile so I’m going to make it all up in one fell swoop by writing about the campaign that’s been keeping me busy. Back in early March, when the two candidates in the 2nd District were George Holding and Renee Ellmers, George’s campaign took a poll.…
Read MoreMad Man Wins
Donald Trump has conquered the Republican Party. He’ll now take the GOP over the cliff to disastrous defeat. Or be our next President. He dispatched Low-Energy Jeb, Little Marco and Lyin’ Ted. He turned Chris Christie into a fawning flatterer. Likewise the good Dr. Carson. He beat Carly Fiorina – twice. And Mike Huckabee and…
Read MoreHowl to the Chief
President Obama is not only one of our greatest Presidents,* but also our funniest. Watch this video of his speech to the White House Correspondents Dinner. No, he doesn’t write all the jokes. But he delivers them well. He skewered journalists, Republicans, Trump, Cruz and himself. You’ve probably read some of his best lines, but…
Read MoreSettling the great yard sign debate
If you’ve ever worked in a campaign, you’ve been part of the debate over yard signs. Pros pooh-pooh them as a waste of money. Volunteers clamor for them. The candidate’s brother calls in every day to tell you how many signs the opponent has up. Supporters claim your opponents are stealing yours. And a smart…
Read MoreHell, yes! Let’s vote on HB2!
Democrats in the legislature should immediately embrace a statewide referendum on HB2. This issue is killing Republicans. A referendum will keep it alive all year. A cascade of national money will flow in to help Roy Cooper, Deborah Ross and Josh Stein. Pat McCrory’s “Carolina Comeback” will drown in a tide of ongoing news about…
Read MoreFear and loathing, ’16
After Tuesday’s primaries, we face the likelihood of a mean, ugly campaign between two of the most polarizing people in American politics today. Where is Hunter Thompson when we need him? Only the good doctor, who wrote Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72, could do justice to what’s coming. Donald Trump’s negatives trump…
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