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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Republican Death Panels

By Gary Pearce September 21, 2009

Sometimes Democrats are too logical. They forget that communication is mostly emotional.   Like health care “death panels.” Democrats need to get off the defensive and turn the issue into political death for Republicans.   A Harvard Medical School study says 45,000 Americans die every year because they don’t have insurance.   People will gladly…

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The Surprising Congressman Jones

By Gary Pearce September 18, 2009

Walter Jones Jr. always surprises me.   I first met him in 1977, when he was Governor Hunt’s “eastern North Carolina representative.” It was understood that he was hired as a favor to his father, Congressman Walter Jones, and that young Walter was preparing to take his father’s seat eventually.   That was no surprise.…

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Picture This

By Gary Pearce September 16, 2009

Imagine that the shoe was on the other foot – or the shout came from the other side of the aisle.   Imagine this: President Bush gives a speech about reforming Social Security. He says we should adopt a partial privatization plan. And he vows that no older American will lose any of their Social…

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They’re Back

By Gary Pearce September 16, 2009

My son James has an intriguing theory about Barack Obama’s September Slumps.   Candidate Obama had one last year. John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin had shaken up the race, and she had not yet imploded. Nor had the economy. The polls were tied. Democrats were in a panic.   This year, President Obama had…

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The Internet Strikes Again

By Carter Wrenn September 15, 2009

Hardly a Democrat has a doubt the Internet has become a force majeure in politics; and if any Republican had any doubts take a look at what’s happened to Representative Joe Wilson Congressman Wilson was cruising to reelection in a Republican District when he called out, “You lie!” on national TV – then overnight a…

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The Best Ethics Insurance

By Gary Pearce September 15, 2009

Pass any ethics law you want. Set up any ethics board you want. The best ethics protection remains The News & Observer.   Getting a copy of the Easleys’ settlement statement at Cannonsgate (can there really be a –gate in this story?) is an amazing coup. As shown by Wade Byrd’s threat to sue the…

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The News

By Carter Wrenn September 14, 2009

There’s plenty of hot news lately.   Iran’s close to building a bomb.   ACORN operatives got caught on film trying to figure out how to bring young girls from Honduras to Baltimore for what sounded a lot like a prostitution ring.   And the Republican National Committees are going all out to elect a…

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Marshalling No Enthusiasm

By Gary Pearce September 14, 2009

Excuse the big yawn from many Democrats at the news Elaine Marshall apparently will run for Senate.   I say apparently because, as the N&O noted, her consultant announced her candidacy. She was not available to speak for herself. Not a good sign. And not the sign of a committed candidate.   Yes, she is…

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One Up on P.T. Barnum

By Carter Wrenn September 14, 2009

  As if Governor Perdue’s not singlehandedly doing enough to sink the Democrats next election (with her 25% Favorable to 50% Unfavorable) former Governor Easley is lending a hand.   Not even P.T. Barnum pulled off what Easley ahs done: Going to a real estate closing to buy a half-a-million dollar lot with borrowed money…

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Jeanette Hyde

By Gary Pearce February 14, 2025

Jeanette Hyde went from Miss Yadkin County to Madam Ambassador. Hyde, who died Monday at age…

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The Best Way to Steal an Election

By Carter Wrenn February 13, 2025

We’ve heard a lot about stolen votes – but here’s the best way to steal an…

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Tillis’ Choice

By Gary Pearce February 12, 2025

Senator Thom Tillis is a good politician. He may be good enough to preserve his image…

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