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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Payback?

By Gary Pearce April 30, 2012

Since their 2010 debacle, Democrats have muttered about an “iron triangle” they believe helped do them in: politically motivated prosecutions, relentless Republican pressure for the investigations and tough media scrutiny. Some even saw a coordinated conspiracy.   So don’t be surprised if they look for payback in the Charles Thomas/lobbyist affair. They want investigations –…

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A Game Changer

By Carter Wrenn April 29, 2012

Every now and then during the closing days of an election a candidate defines his campaign with one line. Paul Coble did that in the News and Observer this morning. By attacking George Holding for prosecuting Mike Easley and John Edwards.   Last week, Paul Coble attacked George Holding for working for Senator Jesse Helms…

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Coming Unglued

By Carter Wrenn April 27, 2012

I’ve seen candidates say some bizarre things when their campaigns fall apart – but this one has to take the cake. Paul Coble’s actually slamming George Holding for prosecuting Mike Easley and John Edwards – and saying those prosecutions were a waste of taxpayers money. We just entered the twilight zone. Paul’s poll numbers have…

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Justin Guillory Responds

By Gary Pearce April 27, 2012

Following is Justin’s response to my blog (see below) about his N&O op-ed:   “Thanks for taking an interest in my op-ed. Here is my take on your questions:   “First, I disagree that progressive politics are not business friendly. The current Republican leadership has taken us so far to the right that we need…

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Another Day, Another Scandal

By Gary Pearce April 27, 2012

It certainly didn’t take the Republicans long to pick up where Jim Black left off.   Democrats can have a field day: “The Speaker’s chief of staff, roommate and best friend had a romantic relationship with a lobbyist who had legislation before the House.”   They can ask: “What did the Speaker know and when…

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Democrats: New Generation or New Direction?

By Gary Pearce April 26, 2012

Justin Guillory’s op-ed in the N&O – “Embrace the future, North Carolina Democrats” – struck a theme you hear a lot these days from young Democrats:   “The major upheaval in the Democratic ranks provides a unique window of opportunity for the party to turn over a new page and choose its next generation of…

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A $3 Million Problem

By Gary Pearce April 26, 2012

Whoever wakes up May 9 as the Democratic nominee for governor will immediately face an insurmountable obstacle.   Pat McCrory is sitting on $3.1 million, John Franks reports in Dome. That’s precisely $3.1 million more than the Democratic nominee will have that day.   It will be impossible to make up the gap.   Now, in politics…

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Needed: A Manhattan Project

By Gary Pearce April 25, 2012

The all-but-certain presidential nominee emerges from his party’s primaries bruised and bloodied. He was mocked relentlessly as a flip-flopper and a panderer, a career politician with no inner core, a former governor with little to brag about. The brutal march to the nomination drove his favorability ratings into the ground.   He faces an incumbent…

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Uh-Oh

By Gary Pearce April 25, 2012

The last time I paid attention to internal Democratic Party politics was during Governor Hunt’s first two terms, when the party had chairs and executive directors like Betty McCain and David Price.   Ah, the good old days.   This week I asked a young friend who is involved in the party now: “Who are the…

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Deborah Ross’ Rx

By Gary Pearce March 7, 2025

Curmudgeonly Cajun James Carville says Democrats just need to “roll over and play dead” and wait…

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Puzzling

By Carter Wrenn March 7, 2025

Trump raised tariffs. Said tariffs are beautiful. The next day, about facing, said automakers didn’t have…

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The Unknown

By Carter Wrenn March 5, 2025

A legend in politics, with a sneaky streak but a kind heart, Paddy sat down in…

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