As far as North Carolina is concerned, David Shor is probably right
There’s a debate raging on social media this weekend about the direction of the Democratic Party. It started with an article written by Ezra Klein about a young data analyst name David Shor. Shor has been arguing that Democrats are heading for a long-term disaster if...
Notes on the #NCSEN Democrats
Last week saw quarterly fundraising reports come out for Democratic candidates Jeff Jackson and Cheri Beasley. Jackson was first out of the gate, announcing that he had hauled in $900,000. Beasley took a few more days to release her money report, but when it came out,...
The clown car is back
Here’s a pro-tip. If you want people to take you seriously, don’t show up to a press conference dressed like you bought your clothes from the wardrobe section of the Ringling Brothers closeout sale. People will spend more time laughing at what you are wearing instead...
The GOP’s Captain of Bigotry
I don't want to hear it. Every time a North Carolina politician utters something offensive or passes an egregious law, a chorus of progressives insist, #WeAreNotThis. While noble, the contention that North Carolina is better than its politicians also represents a bit...
The Political System Systematically Favors Republicans. Democrats Have a Right to Change It.
The genius of the American political system used to be its ability to change. Between 1784 and 1992, Americans amended their constitution 27 times, adjusting their governing structures to reflect evolving contexts and values. Today, the idea that the U.S. political...
Like health care reform all over again
Watching Democrats fight over Joe Biden’s agenda gives me flashbacks to the 2009-10 debate over health care reform. Back then, it seemed to be the first time we really watched the sausage being made in real time. Cable coverage was nonstop and new social media...
Charles Graham Launches a Strong Challenge to Dan Bishop
State Representative Charles Graham is drawing strength from history in his effort to make history. Announcing his challenge to Congressman Dan Bishop, Graham invoked one of the most inspiring moments in the 500-year history of Native resistance: the Battle of Hayes...
The party of personal responsibility refuses to take collective responsibility
A few weeks ago, a conservative writer at Breitbart, John Nolte, wrote that the liberals are trying to kill conservatives by pushing COVID vaccines. He reasons that liberals know that conservatives will reject anything liberals support, so by encouraging vaccinations,...
Who Will Be The Establishment Republican in #NCSEN?
There are few better examples of political double-talk than a candidate attempting to present himself as a foe of the party establishment. In the North Carolina Senate race, both viable candidates have laid claim to the insurgent's mantle--and both are hypocritical in...
Focus on the courts
Last night was the final public hearing for redistricting legislative and Congressional districts. Apparently, they had a good turnout at the Fayetteville meeting. The legislature held a series of hearings at places around the state. Unfortunately, they probably don’t...
The Lost World of Rural Progressivism
That rural North Carolina voted Democratic for much of the twentieth century was of little import; after all, the Democrats had all but extinguished party competition at the dawn of the 1900s. But the type of Democrat they voted for would raise eyebrows in today's...
Code of judicial misconduct
Since I started writing this blog, one of the unexpected pleasures has been the number of lawyers, prosecutors, and judges who have reached out to tell me how much they respected my father. My dad is a retired Superior Court Judge who spent his career travelling...