I’ve spent most of my life working with two materials: words and politicians. I’ve written about politicians, and I’ve written for them. As Jim Hunt’s main speechwriter his first two terms and frequent contributor the second two terms – along with dozens of other politicians I have worked with – I’ve probably written as much…

John Edwards helped save Bill Clinton a decade ago. Could he do the same for Hillary Clinton this year? After his election to the Senate in 1998, Edwards went to Washington with zero experience in public office. He had barely voted, let alone served in office. He had spent most of his adult life in…

The Obama bandwagon slowed down this week. It’s tough being out front and taking incoming fire. And the shelling will get worse as more people see the videos of Obama’s pastor. The Clinton campaign still has hope. But, for all their kitchen sink strategy, there’s one argument they haven’t used: When you look only at…

Democrats spent 40 years engineering the perfect presidential nomination system. Instead we engineered a perfect train wreck. We now are in perfect position to blow an election that should be ours. We have two strong, popular candidates for the nomination. Neither has put the race away. They are tired, frustrated and getting madder at each…

Governor Easley has taken two steps back – and one step forward – in his confrontation with The News & Observer. Last week, the Governor poked a stick in the N&O’s eye at a press conference – especially when he evaded Pat Stith at the Capitol. He also maintained – evidence to the contrary –…