Posts by Gary Pearce
Democrats Win Again
I hereby declare a Democratic victory in the much-hyped Pelosi/Murtha affair. Here’s why: Pelosi stuck by Murtha because he helped her and stood up to Bush on Iraq. Loyalty is good. But the Democratic caucus rejected Murtha because he’s not good on ethics. Ethics are good. And the Democrats showed they’re independent, not beaten-down sheep…
Read MoreDemocrats Win Again
I hereby declare a Democratic victory in the much-hyped Pelosi/Murtha affair. Here’s why: Pelosi stuck by Murtha because he helped her and stood up to Bush on Iraq. Loyalty is good. But the Democratic caucus rejected Murtha because he’s not good on ethics. Ethics are good. And the Democrats showed they’re independent, not beaten-down sheep…
Read MoreEarth to Madame Speaker
Nancy Pelosi got off to a good start after Election Day. But she’s about to blow it. Here is hoping the Democratic caucus saves her from herself today. What is she thinking: Supporting the ethically challenged John Murtha for the No. 2 caucus position? The man who told the Abscam bribers he wasn’t interested “at…
Read MoreDemocrat vs. Democrat
The talk-show blowhards want to know if Republicans and Democrats can work together in Washington. I want to know if Democrats can work together.Senator Charles Shumer and Congressman Rahm Emanual did a smart thing: They put winning ahead of ideological purity. They recruited candidates like: Bob Casey in Pennsylvania, who is pro-life. Health Shuler in…
Read MoreGet Out Now
Why not get out of Iraq now? Immediately. No phased withdrawal. No graceful exit. No fig-leaf of victory. Here’s the first argument: Iraq will fall into chaos. Well, it’s already in chaos. Argument No. 2: America will be humiliated in the world. Could we be more humiliated? Actually, I’m not sure getting out is right.…
Read MoreThe N&O’s Poll Hole
There is a theory about that The News & Observer/WRAL pre-election poll on the Wake County school bonds lulled opponents into complacency and spurred supporters to victory. Whether or not it did, the newspaper needs to take a hard look at why the poll was so far wrong. The explanation by the pollster – Del…
Read MoreA New Bipartisanship?
It sounded like love in bloom on the cable political shows last night. Democrats and Republicans alike were talking about a new era of cooperation. Bush and Pelosi were making nice. The pundits pontificated about how the politicians of both parties had heard the voters’ yearning for partnership to replace partisanship. As Jon Stewart would…
Read MoreBush’s Fast Footwork
George Bush ran a terrible midterm campaign, but he made a fast recovery the day after the election by dumping Rumsfeld. He stole the cable headlines and the front pages from Nancy Pelosi. In 1994, President Clinton stumbled and staggered for weeks while Newt Gingrich dominated the news. Bush was savvy enough to avoid that…
Read MoreThe Stunning Swiftness of Election Day
There’s a beautiful thing about elections – whether your side wins or loses. Suddenly the politicians have to shut up while the people speak. And, the next day, the world is a different place. It may be better or worse, depending on your viewpoint. You may think, as Republicans did in 1994, that all has…
Read MorePost Election
Here are my random observations from a night and morning of watching results – a refreshing change, I might add, from sitting in an election headquarters with a candidate: We’re out of Iraq. Maybe Dick Cheney won’t get it, but I bet George Bush does. Not since Carter lost over Iran in 1980 have the…
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