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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Look at Me, I’m Harry Truman

By Gary Pearce December 12, 2006

Here’s how you can tell how much trouble George Bush is in because of Iraq: he’s comparing himself to Harry Truman. I always know a Democratic candidate is doomed when he starts comparing his race to Truman’s upset over Dewey in 1948. It’s a sure sign of sheer desperation. Now Bush is comparing his place…

Backstage Politics: The Legislature and Waste Dumps

By Carter Wrenn December 12, 2006

Four waste disposal companies propose to build mega-dumps in North Carolina and haul, literally, mountains of garbage from New York, Massachusetts and other states here and dispose of it. Democratic strategist Joe Sinsheimer has filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections against Representative Thomas Wright, which gives a glimpse of how the ‘backstage…

A Twist on Nepotism?

By Carter Wrenn December 12, 2006

Contributions to political campaigns are not bribes, because the money is not personal income to elected officials. But what if a Congressman puts his wife or a relative on his campaign payroll? Technically, that’s perfectly legal, too. But it’s harder to argue a Congressman has no personal benefit when his wife is on his campaign…

President Edwards?

By Gary Pearce December 11, 2006

The Washington-focused national press corps has anointed Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama as front-runners in the Democratic presidential race. They’re making a mistake overlooking John Edwards. Here’s what Edwards has going for him: Strong labor ties, which are important in the early Iowa and Nevada contests; A good glow left in Iowa from 2004, when…

Mayor Meeker Turns Developer

By Carter Wrenn December 11, 2006

Mayor Meeker’s said some unkind things about developers (especially when it comes to higher impact fees) in the past, but, now, the Mayor’s about to try his hand at the development business himself. He’s gotten the green light from the City Council to proceed with his plan to spend $40 million (most of it from…

What If’s on Iraq

By Carter Wrenn December 11, 2006

Now that we seem to have started down the path of getting out of Iraq, let’s ask ‘what if’ the worst happens. We won the military war in Iraq in a matter of weeks. But we lost the ‘post-war peace’ to the terrorists. Why? According to one analysis recently declassified documents show British Prime Minister…

Rolling Back Regulations? Sort Of.

By Carter Wrenn December 8, 2006

The City of Raleigh’s passed so many new regulations (it now regulates everything from hot dog stands to newspaper boxes) the Council is considering exemptions – but not for everyone. It seems City Hall has discovered regulations are driving up housing costs, so the Council is looking at giving a special exemption from storm water,…

For President: Who?

By Carter Wrenn December 8, 2006

In an odd way Conservative Republicans may be looking at Democrats with something like envy. Because Democrats have so many viable candidates for President. The Moderates have Evan Bayh and John Edwards. The Liberals have Hillary, John Kerry, Al Gore and John Edwards (who’s trying to appeal to everyone). But what about conservative Republicans? Right…

Why Stay in Iraq?

By Gary Pearce December 8, 2006

The Jim Baker report on Iraq is a stunning indictment of George Bush’s Iraq war. For that, I’m thankful. But it’s a dishwater-weak response. The report is like too many bipartisan, blue-ribbon reports: mush. The strategy it proposes doesn’t rise to the crisis it describes: “The situation in Iraq is grave and deteriorating. There is…

Stein’s Clout

By Gary Pearce March 6, 2026

Governor Josh Stein had a good day Tuesday, and there’s good news for him in our…

Too Long

By Gary Pearce March 5, 2026

 “For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph,…

2 Votes!

By Gary Pearce March 4, 2026

Because of just 2 votes, North Carolina politics will be consumed – and the General Assembly…