Posts by Gary Pearce

Given that this should be a Democratic year and that Democrats have won the last four Governor’s races, it is surprising that early polls show the Governor’s race essentially tied. The polls may be underestimating the African-American vote. Early polls often show Democrats getting only 60-70 percent of that vote. But they always end up…

The N&O pointed out that The New York Times may be a tad premature in touting Bev Perdue’s national prospects. But if Hillary Clinton does not become the first woman President – now or in four years or in eight years – there is a good chance a North Carolina woman will be. Here’s why:…

John Edwards’ political timing throughout his career has been both astute and atrocious. Running in 1998 was brilliant. It was an off-year. Lauch Faircloth was a vulnerable incumbent and the perfect foil for a young, fresh opponent. The Clinton-impeachment mess in Washington was the perfect environment for a political outsider. After that, his timing was…

Ferrel Guillory, the director of the Program on Public Life at UNC, made a penetrating observation the other day. We were talking about Hillary Clinton’s focus on white working class voters – and the resultant media obsession on the same. Clinton argues, essentially, that Obama can’t win in November because he can’t get working-class whites.…

It’s tempting to dismiss Governor Easley’s proposed “sin tax” increases: Spoken like a man who’s not up for reelection. But give the Governor credit here. He pushed for higher taxes his first term, and he survived the predictable Republican challenge that resulted. Besides, he needs a good word. He had a tough spring, with the…