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I’m too old for this

By Gary Pearce August 13, 2015

Readers of a certain age will appreciate this. The rest of you can aspire to it. “There is a lot that is annoying, and even terrible, about aging. The creakiness of the body; the drifting of the memory; the reprising of personal history ad nauseam, with only yourself to listen. But there is also something…

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Tears in the Mansion

By Gary Pearce August 12, 2015

Once upon a time, crying in public was political suicide. (See Ed Muskie, 1972, in the snows of New Hampshire.) Now, we’re more in touch with politicians who are more in touch with their feelings. (See John Boehner, anytime, anywhere.) So Governor McCrory’s tears at the departure of Aldona Wos (apparently, no tears were shed…

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Keeping it honest

By Gary Pearce August 10, 2015

Let’s hand it to Grady and Marie Jefferys. They’re braver than the rest of us. The rest of us wouldn’t be willing to publish a book baring all the pain – let alone all the mistakes, misfortunes and misjudgments – we’ve been through, and put others through, throughout our lives. We might – in fact,…

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Debate winners, losers and jokers

By Gary Pearce August 7, 2015

A liberal Democrat found little to like in last night’s debate, with one exception. So that’s no way to rate it. Instead, let’s handicap the horseflesh. There were two winners, two big flops and six jokes on stage. The winners were the only two who came across as thinking human beings rather than pre-programmed political…

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Debate prep

By Gary Pearce August 6, 2015

Get your pizza, popcorn and drinking games ready. This debate is going to be rich, really rich. Just like Trump. Which is why we’ll watch. Nobody would tune in to see Jeb Bush, Scott Walker or Marco Rubio. No, it’s all Trump, all two hours: How far will he go? Who will he attack? Will…

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In praise of budget slowness

By Gary Pearce August 4, 2015

Democrats are surely and sorely tempted to blast Republican legislators for dallying and delaying the budget. Not so fast, my friends. Here, slow is good. Especially after Senate Capo Tom Apodaca blasted the House for (horrors!) not even meeting with the Senate on the budget. He complained that the House is spending too much time…

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McCrory’s troubles

By Gary Pearce August 3, 2015

There are few sure things in politics. So it’s no sure thing that Governor McCrory will lose reelection. But it is a sure thing he’s in what Poppy Bush would call deep doo-doo. Carter pretty well summed up what the new fundraising numbers mean: “You very seldom see a challenger outraising an incumbent when it’s…

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Foxwatcher

By Gary Pearce August 1, 2015

A TAPster visiting relatives had to watch Fox News this morning and provided this report: “Fox news is incredible. Beating Kasich to death for ‘joining forces with Obama’ and expanding Medicaid.” Then, “Did you know there are some jobs married women can have but still be true to their roles as wives?” Next, “After the…

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Turnaround ideas for McCrory

By Gary Pearce July 31, 2015

A contributing blogger, noting that Governor McCrory has had a run of bad news lately, offers five ways he can turn around “his disappointing governorship:” Get focused. Choose three priorities and make them the theme of your administration. Don’t allow other things to distract you. Wear out your veto stamp. Veto every single bill that…

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Lost Truth

By Carter Wrenn January 16, 2025

Back in the old days three TV networks – ABC, NBC, CBS – ruled the news;…

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Biden’s Warning

By Gary Pearce January 16, 2025

In his farewell address, President Biden warned that “an oligarchy is taking shape in America of…

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Stein’s Party Lines

By Gary Pearce January 14, 2025

Governor Josh Stein wisely ignored my semi-serious suggestion that he devote his inaugural speech to denouncing…

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