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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A Sign

By Gary Pearce September 7, 2011

This is the perfect opening for Michelle Bachmann. In tonight’s debate, she should say that the Texas wildfires are God’s judgment on Rick Perry for stealing her momentum.   That way, she can put all her opponents – and potential opponents – on notice.  

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The Comeback Kid

By Gary Pearce September 7, 2011

I’ve been critical of President Obama lately. His poll numbers keep dropping, and he looks like a 97-pound weakling being pushed around by (of all people) John Boehner.   I even called him “Jimmy Obama” in one blog, comparing him to a famous one-term Democratic President.   So now it’s time to predict a comeback.…

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DOT Defends 511

By Gary Pearce September 6, 2011

Ted Vaden, Deputy Secretary, Internal and External Affairs N.C. Department of Transportation, responds to my criticism of DOT’s 511 line and website during Irene:   “We’re big boys and girls at NCDOT, and we’ll take our hits when deserved. Certainly our 511 system can be better, but keep in mind that 511 updates were being…

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The New Politics

By Gary Pearce September 5, 2011

Carter was mistaken when he wrote (“A Call From 60 Minutes,” below) that Bob Harris’ authorship of the “where do you stand, Jim” ads in 1984 “has been lost to history.” Actually, I wrote about that in my Hunt book, and Carter was my source.   But that’s not the reason for this post. Nor…

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Gary On the Air

By Gary Pearce September 2, 2011

If you’re up at 7 a.m. Sunday and desperate for entertainment, listen to Don Curtis and me on “Carolina Newsmakers” on WPTF. We about covered the waterfront on politics: redistricting, money, Governor Perdue and the legislature, 2012, etc. The show will also be available at www.carolinanewsmakers.com.

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Politics as Usual

By Carter Wrenn September 2, 2011

The other morning on one page of the newspaper Governor Perdue (or rather the Perdue administration), pleading hard times, announced the Department of Health and Human Services will no longer pay for eye exams, and eyeglasses and dental care to Medicaid patients. On top of that times are so hard the department’s also limiting physical…

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Obama’s Last Chance?

By Gary Pearce September 2, 2011

President Obama better connect this time.   His much-hyped economic speech next week may be his last chance.   For all his strengths, Obama has one great failing: He hasn’t been able to forge an emotional connection with the American people since the election.   He did it during the campaign by fulfilling a yearning…

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A Call From 60 Minutes

By Carter Wrenn September 1, 2011

Back in 1985 I got a call from George Crile a producer at 60 Minutes who said he and Mike Wallace wanted to come to Raleigh to interview Tom Ellis and me.   I thought, An interview with 60 Minutes – what’s the difference in that and sticking your head in a lion’s mouth? I…

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The Blind Date Syndrome

By Carter Wrenn September 1, 2011

Overnight Rick Perry has soared from unknown to Republican frontrunner; — it’s reminiscent of four years ago when another unknown appeared out of nowhere, soared into the lead in the Democrat Primary, then rolled straight into the White House.   Now, Rick Perry – Governor of Texas, Air Force pilot, rugged cowboy – is the…

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Who Pays the Price

By Carter Wrenn February 5, 2025

Wiley lifted his cell phone, held it in the air in front of him, pushed a…

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Going Too Far

By Carter Wrenn February 3, 2025

Cheeks round, pudgy fingers fumbling, Ellmer took a newspaper article out of his briefcase, pushed it…

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Dividing Line

By Gary Pearce February 3, 2025

Trump has done America a big favor: in just two weeks, he’s drawn a bright line…

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