Posts by Gary Pearce
It’s Not About You
When Ken Lewis entered the U.S. Senate race, he had a good story about his family’s rise from slavery and the farm. The N&O said he “vowed to support policies that would help other families pursue the American dream.” Lewis said: “That arc of progress that begins right here in PersonCounty at the…
Read MoreI’ve Been Selected!
I’ve been chosen – according to the official-looking letter – to be part of the 2009 Congressional District Census! And to whom do I owe this honor? Michael Steele, chairman of the national Republican Party. His letter tells me that I am “one of a select few” chosen for the Census in…
Read MoreBowles and Burr
Some Democrats will no doubt grumble about Erskine Bowles joining ex-foe Senator Richard Burr’s economic-development summit. Burr no doubt welcomes the bipartisan image as he begins his reelection campaign. Bowles no doubt would tell critics he’ll work with anybody to help the university and the state. Truth is, Bowles was never comfortable…
Read MoreThe Mysterious East
Thirty years before Governor Perdue’s trip to Asia, I went with Governor Hunt on the first trip by a North Carolina governor to China. That was not long after the fall of the Gang of Four. We saw “Democracy Wall” in Beijing where people could post and read news. But censorship was still…
Read MoreA Real Peace Prize
It’s scary when Carter and I agree. But he’s right about Afghanistan (see his blog below). President Obama can start earning that Nobel Prize by vetoing General McChrystal’s request for 40,000 more soldiers. History teaches us to respect the courage of American military men and women. The supposed genius of generals – not…
Read MoreGo East
Governor Perdue is getting some criticism for going to China and Japan during a budget crisis. The criticism is short-sighted. In a global economy – especially in these economic times – a governor needs to be going around the world selling the state. Mike Easley was criticized for not doing enough selling.…
Read MoreFox Baiting
Even liberal pundits criticize the Obama White House for dissing Fox News. They say the President and his team should deal with anybody – even the devil. I disagree. In politics, it helps to have the right enemy. Fox is the perfect enemy for Obama. By spotlighting Fox as the opposition, he…
Read MoreDance Party
A Raleigh wag suggests the perfect PR move for John Edwards: “Dancing With the Stars.”
Read MoreRace and Jimmy Carter
The comic strip Mallard Fillmore – as well as Democrats and Republicans alike – is still beating up on poor Jimmy Carter for speaking the truth about race and President Obama’s critics. Even Bill Clinton piled on. But he’s never been a Carter fan, Carter overstated the case, as he often does.…
Read MorePerdue’s Polls
Governor Perdue’s team is working to counter the drumbeat of bad poll numbers. They make some good points: Yes, her numbers are low. But so are those of Senators Burr and Hagan. North Carolina has had the worst one-two punch in the country – high unemployment and the budget crisis. Perdue is paying…
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