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…

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McCrory’s troubles

There are few sure things in politics. So it’s no sure thing that Governor McCrory will lose reelection. But it is a sure thing he’s in what Poppy Bush would call deep doo-doo. Carter pretty well summed up what the new fundraising numbers mean: “You very seldom see a challenger outraising an incumbent when it’s…

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Two Takes on Taking Pat

Roy Cooper can go two ways against Governor McCrory in 2016: call him “wrong” or call him “weak.” “Wrong” says McCrory hurt the economy, hurt the schools, hurt health care and hurt the environment. It blames him for taking the state in the wrong direction, including on social issues. But Cooper might look negative and…

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How Are McCrory and Obama Alike?

Both ended last week looking weak and ineffective, even within their own parties. The President was abandoned by Democrats on a big trade vote, and the Governor was run over again by Republicans on a big veto. McCrory looked strong and savvy when he vetoed the misnamed “ag gag” law and the law that lets…

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The Power of the Veto

Give Governor McCrory credit. He did the right thing by vetoing the magistrates/same-sex marriage bill. And it’s good politics. This should be a wakeup call for Democrats who think he’ll be a pushover next year because he’s a doofus or because the legislature is too far right. Take it from me. An incumbent has a…

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Same Old, Same Old

Back when Democrats ran the legislature, Republicans swore that things would be different if they ever were in charge. No more high-handed rulings, no more procedural shenanigans and no more bosses using their gavels to ram through favored legislation. So much for that, says Boss Bob Rucho. Back when a Democrat was Governor, Pat McCrory…

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