Issues
A Case for Roy Cooper
A wise old legal eagle points out a recent article in the National Law Journal that shreds the 18 showboating state attorneys generals who want to challenge the health-care reform law. The article, written by a law professor at Washington & Lee, concludes: “This complaint not only represents shockingly shoddy lawyering but should…
Read MoreA Pretty Strange Chapter in Republican Politics …
The way Art Pope sees it his blasting Richard Morgan (because Richard blasted Governor Perdue) wasn’t defending Governor Perdue… … but how did Perdue see it? “Well, miracles do happen!” the Governor chortled, delighted to have Pope’s support. What’s ironic about all this is for years Art’s been hammering Richard, saying he’s too cozy…
Read MoreThe New Buzzword
What is it with “narrative”? We used to talk about “message” in campaigns. Now candidates have a “narrative.” Rob Christensen did a recent column about the different “narratives” of the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate. “Message” implied issues. It implied addressing the concerns of voters. “Narrative” implies telling a compelling story…
Read MoreKick ’em off their Respirators
The other day a friend sent me an article saying Obamacare cut Medicare $500 billion. I wrote back and asked, Exactly what Medicare treatments for patients did Obama cut? Back came another email with an article attached written by a lady, the former Lt. Governor of New York, who said Obama has set up…
Read MoreEdge of the Storm?
A couple of months ago the Supreme Court decided corporations – like people who talk and breathe and walk around on two legs – have an inalienable right to free speech, including the right to criticize politicians they don’t like all they want. Now, back when the court ruled that banks and insurance companies…
Read MoreExecutive Dilemma
Aside from death-penalty cases, it’s the toughest decision governors make. And that’s so regardless of whether they are Republican or Democrat, named Holshouser, Hunt, Martin or Perdue. The dilemma: A gubernatorial appointee is accused of an ethical – or even criminal – violation. Immediately, the media demands that heads roll. Political opponents…
Read MoreRace to the Bottom
Several months ago, Governor Perdue summoned North Carolina business executives to an emergency phone call. The subject was a mystery. But when the Governor calls, you answer. Instead of a big economic announcement, the CEOs listened patiently as the Governor proclaimed that the state was putting in its bid for “Race to the Top”…
Read MoreBev’s Bad Break
A wise old Democrat told me recently that Bev Perdue’s biggest problem is: “She’s broken too many promises.” The recession and the budget crater are mostly to blame. She’s had to disappoint her friends in education, health care, aging services and mental health. But her promise to run an ethical administration doesn’t cost…
Read MoreSanctimony or Self-Interest?
Having just admitted (below) one mistake I will risk committing another – except this time I am going to say the following is 100% conjecture. It’s all theory. No facts. The other day I was having lunch with a group of friends and the flap on the Wake County School Board came up and…
Read MoreWingnuts
Extremism in the defense of liberty may or may not be a vice, but it’s a good way to lose elections. And it may be how Republicans blow their chance at a game-changer in November. Judging from their hysterical reaction, the stories about threats and violence have touched a raw nerve among Republicans. …
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