Carter is a Republican. Gary is a Democrat.

They met in 1984, during the epic U.S. Senate battle between Jesse Helms and Jim Hunt. Carter worked for Helms and Gary, for Hunt.

Years later, they became friends. They even worked together on some nonpolitical clients.

They enjoy talking about politics. So they started this blog in 2005.

They’re still talking. And they invite you to join the conversation.

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Carter Wrenn

Gary Pearce 2024

Gary Pearce

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#JustOneLegislator

By Gary Pearce February 18, 2015

While Governor McCrory was doing what politicians usually do to get snow-day news coverage, state Sen. Jeff Jackson was showing how it’s done in a new media world.   Tuesday morning, Jackson (D-Mecklenburg) showed up at the Legislative Building at 8 am and tweeted: “No problem getting a great parking space this morning.”   While…

See-Nothing SEANC

By Gary Pearce February 17, 2015

For years, Dana Cope and the State Employees Association of North Carolina have pursued a vendetta against State Treasurer Janet Cowell. They didn’t like the way she manages the state’s pension fund.   They’re the ones to talk.   Cope and SEANC demanded more answers and more transparency from the Treasurer’s Office. But, to them,…

Bubba Dump

By Gary Pearce February 16, 2015

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham seems determined to (pardon the expression) tar the Heels’ image.   When he paid $27,000 and change for the damages UNC’s football team did to Duke’s practice facility turf and visitor’s locker room last year, Bubba should have just said: “Coach Fedora and I apologize to Duke University for our…

Blindness

By Carter Wrenn February 13, 2015

After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Franklin Roosevelt looked the American people in the eye and said, December 7th is a day that will live in infamy forever.   After ISIS burned a hostage alive, President Obama told the American people, We’ve done some pretty bad things ourselves.   Which is the proper response to…

Anchors Away

By Gary Pearce February 13, 2015

Walter Cronkite was “the most trusted man in America.” Brian Williams became the least trusted man in America overnight and had to leave the set. The same day, Jon Stewart, who had become the new most trusted man in news to many, left on his own terms. Just days before, WTVD anchor Larry Stogner, whose…

Grief

By Gary Pearce February 12, 2015

A few days ago, Chapel Hill was the focus of mourning and remembrance for an extraordinary coach who lived a long, full life of service and leadership.   Today, and sadly for a long time to come, it’s the focus of grieving and remembrance for three extraordinary young people who seemed headed for long, full…

Pure Baloney

By Carter Wrenn February 12, 2015

Reverend William Barber went down to the newspaper and sat down with Ned Barnett to have a chat about the state’s soul.   Now the main problem with the state spiritually, according to Reverend Barber, is Republicans. He’s thundered from podiums from Asheville to Wilmington that Republicans are heartless varmints who stomp on women, children,…

No Saints

By Carter Wrenn February 12, 2015

Once when Democratic County Commissioner Betty Lou Ward was in the hospital she asked the Republican Commissioners to allow her to participate in a board meeting by phone – but the Republicans said no.   Another time, in the middle of a fight, the Republicans waited until Ward left the board room to go to…

Can’t Cope

By Gary Pearce February 11, 2015

Sunday morning, Joe Neff’s story ran on Page 1A of the N&O. Tuesday at 2 pm, Dana Cope held a 90-second news conference (no questions, please) to resign.   As WRAL’s Laura Leslie said on Facebook, “Well, that was quick.”   Maybe Cope decided his legal problems dwarf his political problems. Or maybe it would…

Another School Study? Yes.

By Gary Pearce March 19, 2026

Some progressives groaned when Governor Josh Stein announced a bipartisan “Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education”…

Independents Turn Against GOP

By Gary Pearce March 17, 2026

North Carolina voters don’t like either the Democratic or Republican parties. But Independent voters – who…

Getting the News

By Gary Pearce March 13, 2026

How do you get your news? Our statewide poll asked North Carolina voters what their primary…