Obama 2008 was a preview, not a fluke
Following 2008, when Barack Obama won North Carolina, many Republicans and conservative pundits called the election a fluke. They believed that North Carolina is a red state that will stay that way for decades. The election this year showed that, in fact, 2008 was...
Democrats ran a complete campaign
In the midterm elections, Democrats in North Carolina had their best showing since 2008. They won enough legislative seats to overturn veto-proof majorities in both chambers. They won every statewide judicial race on the ballot including the one giving them a 5-2...
A great opportunity for compromise
North Carolina legislative districts are headed back to court. There are so many lawsuits about redistricting and gerrymandering that it’s hard to keep track. This one will go to state courts where Democrats just won a solid majority on the Supreme Court. To recap a...
Cooper’s work paid off
One of the biggest winners in the midterm elections in North Carolina wasn’t even on the ballot. Governor Roy Cooper, with more than a little help, built the political machine that put Democrats in a position to sustain his veto and prepare them for the Battle Royale...
Don’t expect a break from politics in North Carolina
Twitter is alive with a debate about whether or not 2018 constituted a wave election. I came down of the side of it not being a wave. I interpret a wave election as one that washes people into office, electing people in what were generally considered non-competitive...
When Democrats killed the wave and other observations
In mid-September, a leaked report from the Republican National Committee showed dampened enthusiasm among the GOP base heading into the midterms. Complacency and a sense of invulnerability left GOP voters unconcerned about the midterms, leaving GOP strategist very...
Overall, a good night for Democrats
Last night showed the epic political battle we’ll be facing in the future both in North Carolina and across the country. The blue wave never materialized but a blue tide did roll in. When the votes are all counted, Democrats will likely picked up more than 35...
Dear Republicans, I’m here to shame you
Dear Republicans, If you’re not already thoroughly ashamed of your party, I’m here to shame you. Your party’s closing argument of the midterm election is a disgrace, grounded in racism and xenophobia and your candidates are buying it up and down the ballot. State...
Democrats end with momentum
Democrats won the news cycle last week. Heading into the final weekend of the election, they have momentum and the electorate seems to the be breaking their way. Donald Trump’s message of fear and hate was over the top for too many Americans. He may have inspired a...
Of poll of what might have been and what might be coming
Yesterday, Meredith College released a poll with some shocking numbers. Democrats hold a 10 point advantage in the generic ballots for both legislature and Congress. Unfortunately for Democrats, the poll tested registered voters, not likely voters. In other words, the...
