Posts by Gary Pearce
The Apple of our eye
A TAPster who has watched North Carolina’s growth and change for decades offers this analysis: Apple’s arrival at RTP will be the most transformative event in the state’s political history. Period. No kidding, this is a generational political game changer. There have been other transformational events in the state, but nothing like Apple. Banks and…
Read MoreRFK
He gave better – and better-known – speeches. Less remembered is what he said in a hot, crowded, chaotic Los Angeles ballroom just minutes before he flashed a grin and a peace (or victory) sign and said, “So on to Chicago and let’s win there.” He speaks to us today just as he did to…
Read MoreRepublicans we love
Trump has accomplished one thing. He’s made Democrats love Republicans we used to loathe. Remember demonic warmonger George W. Bush? Now he’s lovable, artistic George, a goofy but compassionate conservative. George H.W.? A veritable statesman. John McCain, the hateful Palin-picker from 2008? A true American hero. Mitt Romney, the 47 percenter from 2012? A fine…
Read MoreThe no-no budget
No debate. No discussion. No dissent. No amendments. No committee meetings. No hearings. No public input. No openness. No transparency. No accountability. No democracy. And no Democrats! No way to do a budget. Not nearly enough for teachers, educators and state employees. No to public schools. No to school supplies. No to safer schools. No…
Read MoreApple’s core values belong in NC
The “No Gay? No Way!” campaign has it exactly backwards about Apple coming to North Carolina. The Human Rights Campaign frames the argument this way: “Apple has an opportunity to lead by locating and investing in places that fully protect LGBTQ people. North Carolina is not one of those places.” But if Apple – and…
Read MoreThe Preacher, the Politician and the Marine
Democrats were downright giddy when the Preacher beat the Politician in the 9th District Republican primary. Pundits immediately upped the odds for the Marine, Democrat Dan McCready. The Politician’s campaign consultant said the outcome showed November could be “brutal” for Republicans. Hold the confetti. Remember how giddy Democrats were two summers ago when Republicans nominated…
Read MoreRed sea in Raleigh
Not surprisingly, commentary on the teacher rally focused on teacher pay – and teacher politics. Namely, will the red tide that swamped the Legislative Building Wednesday swamp the Republicans in November and sweep in the Democrats? Both parties were ready. The Republicans covered their windows with selective numbers on their teacher pay record. They rolled…
Read MoreDick Jenrette’s rules
Raleigh native (and Broughton grad) Richard Jenrette was a legend on Wall Street and in the world of historic preservation. He also earned the admiration of a wide range of friends and associates. When he died recently at the age of 89, he left behind on his desk 24 rules to succeed – in finance…
Read MoreHall’s fall
Duane Hall didn’t let party leaders push him out. So the voters threw him out. Hall’s handling of sexual harassment accusations smacked of Trump. Hall denied ever doing anything wrong. He attacked the women who spoke up. He attacked the media as having a “personal vendetta” against him. Only 27 percent of the primary voters…
Read MoreHall’s fall
Duane Hall didn’t let party leaders push him out. So the voters threw him out. Hall’s handling of sexual harassment accusations smacked of Trump. Hall denied ever doing anything wrong. He attacked the women who spoke up. He attacked the media as having a “personal vendetta” against him. Only 27 percent of the primary voters…
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