National Republicans
Don Colossus
A recent poll I worked on – and will write more about later – exposed Donald Trump’s biggest negative. By 56-38%, 1,000-plus North Carolina voters said Trump is “focused primarily on himself,” rather than “people like you.” Trump’s manic and pathetic self-exaltation reinforces that belief every day. He slaps his name and face on everything:…
Read MoreGOP RIP
A reader who worked for years as a corporate lobbyist in Raleigh and Washington offers this take on today’s Republican Party: “I read that Trump will unblock funds for critical infrastructure improvements if the Senate minority leader will put Trump’s name on Penn Station and Dulles airport. Trump has said in the past that if…
Read MoreTrump Under…Water?
I wasn’t surprised when the N&O reported that a new poll found Trump’s approval rating in North Carolina has fallen to 41% – with 48% disapproving. I was surprised by this about the High Point University poll: “And if you’re wondering the political makeup of those polled, 35% consider themselves Republicans, 28% Democrats and 32%…
Read MoreAbolish ICE?
Democrats’ drive to abolish ICE is understandable, but not smart politics. It could hurt us as much as “defund the police” did. Trump won in 2024, in part, because voters thought President Biden and Democrats were too soft on illegal immigration. Now, people think Trump is too harsh. “Abolish ICE” lets Republicans off the hook…
Read MoreBlow-up
Trump thought he’d win political points by inciting protests and violence in Minnesota. But the brutality and overreaction of ICE stormtroopers is backfiring on him. Resistance is rising – among the American people and even among Republican politicians. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis called for “a thorough and impartial investigation” into the shooting Saturday of…
Read MoreQuestions for America’s 250th
Will 2026 be a celebration of 250 years of independence – or a reprise of the violent revolution that began our nation? It’s clear – from every poll and every recent election – that, after just one year, most voters are done with Trump and ready for change. It’s also clear that Trump is determined…
Read MoreTillis Takes on Trump
Thom Tillis’ last year in the Senate could be his finest hour. He can keep up the great tradition of North Carolina Senators standing up to a criminal President. Fifty years ago, Senator Sam Ervin took on – and helped take down – Richard Nixon over Watergate. Five years ago, Senator Richard Burr voted to…
Read MoreTwo Bags of Cash
It’s hard to tell how much of this is truth and how much is fiction but here’s the tale: A team of undercover FBI agents out to jail grifters bribing politicians to make money got a tip: Talk to Tom Homan – he can get you ICE contracts if Trump wins. Undercover agents taped Homan…
Read MoreGive ‘em Hell, Harry
A reader recalled what Harry Truman said about Richard Nixon: “He not only doesn’t give a damn about the people; he doesn’t know how to tell the truth. I don’t think the son of a bitch knows the difference between the truth and lying.” What would Harry say about Trump?
Read MoreA Deadly Cloud
There’s a cloud over Trump’s head – most people don’t like how he’s doing his job (the Gallup Poll). Democrats have loathed him for years but now so do Independents. Republicans still love him but their love’s getting thinner. Pundits tell us that’s happening because he blundered when it comes to handling issues – like…
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