Mark Hutton, 1963-2023
Last weekend members of Mark Hutton's family gathered from across the continent and even the Atlantic to commemorate the Charlotte businessman, father of three, husband for 32 years, and my uncle. Mark had passed away the weekend before after a fierce two-year battle...
Presidential approval is Going the way of right track-wrong track
A poll released yesterday showed Joe Biden leading Donald Trump by four points, 49% to 45%, despite an approval rating that has Biden underwater by ten points. The poll also noted that voters who “somewhat disapprove” of Biden still supported him by a margin of 51% to...
Yes, Josh Stein can beat Mark Robinson
Over the past few months, I’ve heard concerns about Josh Stein’s ability to defeat Mark Robinson. Much of the angst has come from African American political observers and summed up in a recent column by Cash Michaels. He asks, “Can Josh Stein really beat Mark...
Investigations without end, Amen.
Republicans are furious that Hunter Biden got a plea deal that will keep him out of prison. What really makes them furious, though, is that the plea deal will probably put the matter to bed for most Americans. They wanted hearings and allegations to drag out till next...
The Red-State Formula
What's striking about the republican legislative agenda is how much of it is completely gratuitous. Consider, for example, their recent ban on socially conscious state investing. This gesture has nothing to do with economic return, and it will complicate the job of...
It’s not the sex…
You know, I thought North Carolina got rid of its alienation of affection law. I guess not since a former Apex city council member is suing state House Speaker Tim Moore for breaking up his marriage. And, man, is it salacious. While the details are juicy, the...
Creating the Hillary excuse
I saw a tweet recently by a Republican operative who generally has been anti-Trump, but pro-GOP. He asked, “Which crime family am I going to vote for? Trump or Biden?” He acknowledged two things: Trump is going to be the Republican nominee and the GOP is going to run...
Here’s Why NC Leans Red Despite Changing Demographics
Every two years, a red flood seems to engulf rural North Carolina polling places. Republican turnout in rural areas has been staggering since the Obama era, and this consistently super performance has ensured a continuing red lean in statewide elections despite the...
Gridlocking elections
The North Carolina legislature’s latest attempt to strip power away from the governor reflects their understanding of the political future. As North Carolina grows and diversifies, the Republicans controlling the General Assembly can gerrymander districts to keep...
Rachel hunt tells the truth on the GOP
I’ve known Rachel Hunt since we were in college together back in the 1980s. For years, when I would run into her father, former Governor Jim Hunt, I’d ask, “When is Rachel going to run for something?” He would always say something like, “Be patient. She’s got a family...
It’s final. I am not running for President in 2024.
Republicans meet June 8 to 11 in Greensboro. Delegates need to know that I am not running for President in 2024. Why? I am 72 years old. Before my second term expires I will be 82. I am too old. There are reasons that someone as experienced (old) as I might not be...
A morally rudderless party
Man, is Donald Trump having a tough time with the legal system. First, he was indicted by the Manhattan District Attorney for paying off a porn star. Next, a jury found him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. Then, yesterday, he was...