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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Evidence of a Tidal Wave: Foley Scandal Impacts Election?

By Carter Wrenn October 20, 2006

The Gallop organization has taken a poll about the impact of the Foley scandal on the election. Dick Morris writes on his website Vote.com that it shows “the Republican base…has moved out.” “The Gallup poll of Oct. 6-8 shows that, in the wake of the Foley scandal, the number of “white frequent churchgoers” who are…

The Grand Old Gay-Bashers

By Gary Pearce October 20, 2006

Jesse Helms used to warn about the dire threat posed by the “radical homosexual lobby.” Now it looks like they’ve infiltrated his own party. And a subtext to the Foley story is whether Republicans will start chasing gays out of the big tent. Democrats are excused for taking satisfaction in the irony: The daddy party,…

Brad and Vernon Debate

By Carter Wrenn October 19, 2006

Vernon Robinson’s been know to stretch a fact when it comes to heated political rhetoric. But the other night at their debate Congressman Brad Miller beat him hands down. Miller said, “Mr. Robinson, most people think I’m most offended by your insinuations about my sexual orientation or your saying my wife and I can’t have…

Wal-Mart and the City Council

By Carter Wrenn October 19, 2006

Two of Mayor Meeker’s allies on the City Council, Russ Stephenson and Thomas Crowder, cast the only votes against building a new Wal-Mart in southeast Raleigh. Why? In a sense the answer is ideology. Councilmen Stephenson and Crowder are two politicians who have an ideology. They want to convert Raleigh into a patch-work of neighborhoods…

They’re singing my song

By Gary Pearce October 19, 2006

Wake County Republicans may not walk the walk, but they’ve learned to talk the talk when it comes to top issues: Schools, jobs and health care. This week I’ve seen ads by Paul Coble, running for county commissioner, and Nelson Dollar, running for N.C. House. And their issues are right out of the Jim Hunt…

Behind the Curtain

By Carter Wrenn October 18, 2006

One way to think of the world of politics is as a small, unique universe with rules of its own. One of the rules – in this strange world – is it is legal to say almost anything in a political debate. Under the rules, politicians may paint their virtues a little bigger than they…

The Lottery Trial and the Elections

By Carter Wrenn October 18, 2006

How will the ‘pay to play’ scandals impact Democratic candidates this election? In most years, the answer would be a lot. But this year, there are several trends that may change that. First, we Republicans have our own foibles to explain. Second, if the polls are correct, nationally, the war in Iraq is the dominant…

The Best Way to Win?

By Gary Pearce October 18, 2006

Wake County school bond supporters say the bonds are “the best way to pay.” But is that message enough to win? Bond supporters were smart to hire Democrat Brad Crone and Republican Ballard Everett to run their campaign. Brad ran a smart campaign against school bonds some years ago. His slogan was: “There’s a better…

Is Rove’s 72-hour Plan a Myth?

By Gary Pearce October 17, 2006

I’m looking forward to this year’s election not just because there will be a Democratic sweep, but also because it will destroy the myth of Karl Rove’s 72-hour voter-turnout machine. While most Republicans expect to lose the House and hold the Senate by only one seat, The Washington Post reports that Bush and Rove are…

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…