North Carolina – Democrats
Is Holding Starr-Crossed?
Whatever he does, Kenneth Starr will always be remembered for his obsession with Bill Clinton’s sex life. Will John Edwards likewise live on forever in George Holding’s bio? Today’s N&O story by Ann Blyth and John Frank reminds us that the trial might be over, “but one aspect of the case remains unexplained: Why was…
Read MoreIn the Doghouse
Where does the North Carolina Democratic Party rate with the White House? Here’s a clue: the Jefferson-Jackson dinner speaker isn’t the President, the First Lady, the Vice President or Mrs. Biden. It’s not David Axelrod or another big-name campaign official. It’s the Bidens’ son, Beau. Unless party HQ heard wrong, and the White…
Read MoreSweeping Taxes
Is Governor Perdue’s sweepstakes tax a smart idea? At a time when she’s struggling to remain relevant, it put her back in the headlines. But the proposal, like her original budget, is headed straight for the legislative trash can. It did put the focus back on school cuts – winning ground for Democrats.…
Read MoreReality Show
Richard who’s Irish and Catholic sat listening to Mike the Republican and Tom the Democrat arguing then laid down his fork, leaned forward and said: Let me see if I’ve got this right. Pat McCrory’s going to sue the Democrats. The Democrats are already suing Pat McCrory. And the Democratic Chairman is about to get…
Read MoreClout
A TAPster with a cruel sense of humor notes: “The Chief of the Cherokees has more influence in the legislature than the Governor of North Carolina.”
Read MoreNervous Nellies
Bill Clinton last week became the third big-name Democrat – after Ed Rendell and Cory Booker – to question attacking Mitt Romney’s Bain record. Some North Carolina Democrats are similarly skittish about the ads attacking Pat McCrory’s record. Now, we love Big Dog Bill. But he always seems to find inconvenient times to…
Read MoreSex and the Legislature
A male TAPster with years of lobbying experience took issue with Mandy Locke’s revealing (pardon the expression) story in the N&O, “Legislators, lobbyists mix business with pleasure.” The TAPster writes: “The N&O’s weekend story about the plight of women lobbyists was another new low point in the paper’s coverage of politics. It hit…
Read MoreA Whole Different Kettle of Fish
We all know one of those ‘Eeyores’ who whatever happens can’t help seeing a dark lining in every silver cloud, but most times when a fellow’s handed a blessing he didn’t earn or expect he just naturally starts looking on his future with more optimism. Since the last election there’s been a happy mantra…
Read MoreGOP Silence is Deafening
Suddenly the Republican chorus howling for justice has gone silent. The chorus was in full cry for John Edwards, Mike Easley and Bev Perdue. Now comes Charles Thomas. Like Edwards, Thomas held a position of public trust and power. Like Edwards, Thomas cheated on his wife. Like Edwards, Thomas’s wife had cancer. …
Read MoreEdwards’s Revenge
Wade Smith wisely advised that John Edwards plant a garden and bide his time before finding a new endeavor. A less philosophical and forgiving soul might have a different suggestion for Edwards’s new life. No, there won’t be any return to politics. But suppose Edwards bides his time until his nemesis George Holding (former…
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