Posts by Gary Pearce

The last time I paid attention to internal Democratic Party politics was during Governor Hunt’s first two terms, when the party had chairs and executive directors like Betty McCain and David Price.   Ah, the good old days.   This week I asked a young friend who is involved in the party now: “Who are the…

Here’s the Golden Rule of Politics: “Them that has the gold (to buy TV time) rule.” So it is with the Democratic governor’s race.   Bob Etheridge had a lead in initial polls. I thought he won the debates. But Walter Dalton is winning where it counts: on TV ads.   Public Policy Polling reports…

A TAPster asks a pertinent question about the CBS/New York Times poll that found John Edwards’ favorable rating at 3 percent: “Who in the hell are the 3 percent?”

Is Bill Faison the business community’s favorite in the Democratic race for Governor?   One well-wired lobbyist thinks so.   Why? Isn’t Faison a trial lawyer, a species viewed with fear and loathing by business people?   Simple. If Faison wins the nomination, the business community “could put all their efforts into McCrory.” They owe…

A TAPster raises a question about Governor Perdue and the state plane:   “Everyone was relieved to hear that catastrophe was averted last week when Governor Perdue’s state-owned aircraft had a mechanical problem and made an emergency landing at RDU.   “But, here are some questions:   “Why in the hell was she taking a…

Character is destiny, especially in politics. The pressures and the spotlight inevitably show the world exactly who you are. So it was with David Parker yesterday.   The N&O called it “an extraordinary act of political theater.” John Frank described Parker as “assured.” Those who know him use another word: “arrogant.”   He has a…

It’s said that “academic politics are so vicious precisely because the stakes are so small.” So it is with internal party politics.   David Parker has been inside the Democratic Party long enough to know what happens when you stumble: All the old feuds, jealousies and resentments – and the sharp knives – come out.…

Most political people are word people. We pay enormous attention to the words we read and hear from politicians and the media, to facts, rhetoric and arguments.   But much of human communication is non-verbal. It’s visual and physical clues: Does this person look trustworthy or sneaky, hostile or well-intentioned, strong or weak?   So…