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 Price Production

By Gary Pearce October 22, 2009

“The War Room” has a sequel. There is now a film about the 2006 election – “HouseQuake” to go with the classic documentary about Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign.   (I am compelled to insert here that I have a brief role in “The War Room.” I challenge you to find it.)   Political junkies in…

Just When Bev Perdue Thought It…

By Carter Wrenn October 22, 2009

… couldn’t get any worse, it did. Her popularity dropped again.   According to a poll last week an astonishing 63% of North Carolinians disapprove of the job Perdue is doing as Governor. She’s lost the support of Moderates, Conservatives, Independents, Republicans and half the Democrats who voted for her last November.  All she has…

Watch What You Think

By Gary Pearce October 22, 2009

Public Policy Polling did a poll that seems obvious: Fox viewers don’t like Obama, and MSNBC viewers do.   But the point was reinforced last week by Jason Kilar, CEO of Hulu (and UNC grad), in a talk in Chapel Hill.   Kilar said the Internet is essentially a tool that enables us to watch…

Willful Ignorance

By Gary Pearce October 21, 2009

Recently I was subjected to a speech by columnist-commentator George Will.   He courageously took on Washington’s big spending. His implication was that President Obama is the culprit.   To his credit, Will did acknowledge that George Bush’s prescription drug benefit – which doesn’t let the government negotiate lower prices – is part of the…

What’s Wrong with the Conservative Movement?

By Carter Wrenn October 20, 2009

The answer in a nutshell is Republicans in Washington.   The other morning ole Newt Gingrich, who talks the talk and has gotten himself anointed as ‘conservative thinker’ numero uno turned his attention from Washington to Lake Placid, New York and endorsed a liberal who’d make Nancy Pelosi proud.   Why would a deep-thinking Republican…

Don’t Blame the Democrats

By Gary Pearce October 20, 2009

Most of my political conversations these days are about investigations, not elections.   Especially about John Edwards and Mike Easley.   This can’t be good for Democrats.   But maybe the party can find shelter from the fallout. Try this:   Neither Easley nor Edwards ever was a good party man.   Easley rarely went…

It’s Not About You

By Gary Pearce October 20, 2009

When Ken Lewis entered the U.S. Senate race, he had a good story about his family’s rise from slavery and the farm. The N&O said he “vowed to support policies that would help other families pursue the American dream.”   Lewis said:   “That arc of progress that begins right here in PersonCounty at the…

I’ve Been Selected!

By Gary Pearce October 19, 2009

I’ve been chosen – according to the official-looking letter – to be part of the 2009 Congressional District Census!   And to whom do I owe this honor?   Michael Steele, chairman of the national Republican Party.   His letter tells me that I am “one of a select few” chosen for the Census in…

Bowles and Burr

By Gary Pearce October 19, 2009

Some Democrats will no doubt grumble about Erskine Bowles joining ex-foe Senator Richard Burr’s economic-development summit.   Burr no doubt welcomes the bipartisan image as he begins his reelection campaign.   Bowles no doubt would tell critics he’ll work with anybody to help the university and the state.   Truth is, Bowles was never comfortable…

MAGA-gator

By Gary Pearce March 12, 2026

Thom Tillis and Phil Berger fed the MAGA alligator. Then it ate them. Thomas Mills wrote…

Enough is Enough

By Gary Pearce March 11, 2026

Exactly 80 years ago, in 1946, Republicans took control of Congress with a simple message: “Had…

Faith in Politics

By Gary Pearce March 10, 2026

Jim Hunt would like James Talarico winning the Democratic primary in Texas. Like Talarico, the late…