Tears in the Mansion
Once upon a time, crying in public was political suicide. (See Ed Muskie, 1972, in the snows of New Hampshire.) Now, we’re more in touch with politicians who are more in touch with their feelings. (See John Boehner, anytime, anywhere.)
So Governor McCrory’s tears at the departure of Aldona Wos (apparently, no tears were shed at DHHS or the legislature) don’t mean he’s toast. But they symbolize his growing image as a weak governor. And that is political suicide.
As one Republican asked privately, “What’s the point of having a Governor who can’t get anything done?”
Once more, one of McCrory’s top hires was leaving. Unlike Tony Tata at DOT (we’re still waiting for the full story there), Wos’ departure obviously was planned and expected. For once, the Governor had a replacement ready to announce.
Still, the question keeps coming up: Is McCrory up to the job of Governor?
He can’t get anything done at the legislature. He hasn’t put together a strong leadership team. He hasn’t achieved any significant initiatives. What is the signature accomplishment of his first two years and seven months in office? The “Carolina Comeback”? Come on.
The bottom line is that being Governor of North Carolina is nothing like being Mayor of Charlotte. In Charlotte, when you’re backed by a powerful figure like ex-Duke CEO Bill Lee, as McCrory was, things get done. Bill Lee called his friends at the big banks, and things got done. McCrory was there to preside over the hand-shaking, ribbon-cutting and credit-taking.
But McCrory came to Raleigh with no Raleigh experience and no rough-and-tumble political experience. Jim Holshouser had been a legislator. Jim Hunt had been Lieutenant Governor. Jim Martin hadn’t been in Raleigh, but he had been a county commissioner and a Congressman. Mike Easley had been a prosecutor and AG. Bev Perdue had been in the legislature.
Above all, people want a Governor who can get things done. Even if they like you and like your philosophy, what’s the point if you can’t get things done?
It’s enough to make a grown man cry.
Tears in the Mansion
Once upon a time, crying in public was political suicide. (See Ed Muskie, 1972, in the snows of New Hampshire.) Now, we’re more in touch with politicians who are more in touch with their feelings. (See John Boehner, anytime, anywhere.)
So Governor McCrory’s tears at the departure of Aldona Wos (apparently, no tears were shed at DHHS or the legislature) don’t mean he’s toast. But they symbolize his growing image as a weak governor. And that is political suicide.
As one Republican asked privately, “What’s the point of having a Governor who can’t get anything done?”
Once more, one of McCrory’s top hires was leaving. Unlike Tony Tata at DOT (we’re still waiting for the full story there), Wos’ departure obviously was planned and expected. For once, the Governor had a replacement ready to announce.
Still, the question keeps coming up: Is McCrory up to the job of Governor?
He can’t get anything done at the legislature. He hasn’t put together a strong leadership team. He hasn’t achieved any significant initiatives. What is the signature accomplishment of his first two years and seven months in office? The “Carolina Comeback”? Come on.
The bottom line is that being Governor of North Carolina is nothing like being Mayor of Charlotte. In Charlotte, when you’re backed by a powerful figure like ex-Duke CEO Bill Lee, as McCrory was, things get done. Bill Lee called his friends at the big banks, and things got done. McCrory was there to preside over the hand-shaking, ribbon-cutting and credit-taking.
But McCrory came to Raleigh with no Raleigh experience and no rough-and-tumble political experience. Jim Holshouser had been a legislator. Jim Hunt had been Lieutenant Governor. Jim Martin hadn’t been in Raleigh, but he had been a county commissioner and a Congressman. Mike Easley had been a prosecutor and AG. Bev Perdue had been in the legislature.
Above all, people want a Governor who can get things done. Even if they like you and like your philosophy, what’s the point if you can’t get things done?
It’s enough to make a grown man cry.