Carter Wrenn
Gary Pearce
By the Numbers
Here are some numbers worth pondering as you ponder this year’s elections in North Carolina. On May 6, 1.58 million people voted in the Democratic presidential primary. That’s more than the 1.52 million who voted for John Kerry and John Edwards here in November 2004. Thanks to this year’s registration surge, there are now 2.6…
The Mystery of 2008
I had an argument with my friend the pollster. I told him – in no uncertain terms – Barack Obama’s a rerun of George McGovern, Walter Mondale and Michael Dukakis. And said, We’ve seen this story before. The Democrats fall in love, young people swoon, then the day after the election they wake up and…
School Boards and City Councils
The Wake County Manager’s trying to hold the line on spending – but he’s getting no sympathy from the School Board. He offered to increase the school’s budget more than any other local government agency – but the School Board told him to take a hike. That just won’t cut the mustard; it wants another…
McCrory and Perdue
Given that this should be a Democratic year and that Democrats have won the last four Governor’s races, it is surprising that early polls show the Governor’s race essentially tied. The polls may be underestimating the African-American vote. Early polls often show Democrats getting only 60-70 percent of that vote. But they always end up…
Ted Kennedy and Ham Jordan
Cancer felled Hamilton Jordan and was found in Ted Kennedy the same day. Everybody knows Kennedy. But how many know Jordan – and his connection with Kennedy? Before Karl Rove, James Carville and Lee Atwater, Jordan – pronounced Jer-dan – was the original modern Southern-fried political operative. He was the strategic genius behind Jimmy Carter’s…
President Perdue?
The N&O pointed out that The New York Times may be a tad premature in touting Bev Perdue’s national prospects. But if Hillary Clinton does not become the first woman President – now or in four years or in eight years – there is a good chance a North Carolina woman will be. Here’s why:…
Who’s the Number 2? Who Cares?
Now that the Democratic presidential race is all but over, everybody’s attention turns to running mates. Will Obama pick Clinton? Or Edwards? Or Rendell, to carry Pennsylvania? Or Richardson, to appeal to Hispanics? Or does it matter? Myth has it that running mates deliver states – or constituent groups. But John Edwards didn’t make North…
Bad News at The N&O
Jerry Allegood’s retirement after 35 years at The News & Observer is bad news. Bad news for Eastern North Carolina, which used to be the N&O’s focus. Now the paper is all about Wake County. Bad news because Allegood is a pro and a great guy. And bad news for people like me who can…
Governor Edwards?
John Edwards’ political timing throughout his career has been both astute and atrocious. Running in 1998 was brilliant. It was an off-year. Lauch Faircloth was a vulnerable incumbent and the perfect foil for a young, fresh opponent. The Clinton-impeachment mess in Washington was the perfect environment for a political outsider. After that, his timing was…