Archive for 2013
Best. Political. Book. Ever.
When I read that Richard Ben Cramer died this week, I pulled down my dog-eared copy of “What It Takes” and started to read it. Again. If you’ve never heard of Cramer or his book, get it. Read it. You’ll thank me. It’s about the 1988 presidential campaign, but it’s timeless. Through 1,000-plus…
Read MoreDeputy Art Pope?
A TAPster inside state government sends an intriguing follow-up to my blog about Governor McCrory calling Art Pope “deputy” budget director. That struck me as a bit defensive. (See “McCrory’s Picks.”) The TAPster saw a January 7 memo to all department heads and chief fiscal officers in state government. It was from “Art Pope,…
Read MoreGiddy GOP
Republicans here are like kids at Christmas: giddy, gaga and eyes all aglow as they rip open their new presents. A Republican Governor! A week-long victory lap! Two inaugural ceremonies! The big bash at Carolina Country Club Saturday! (No, not the inaugural ball. The political fundraiser.) Then there’s the new legislature and all…
Read MoreJohn Ingram
The late Insurance Commissioner was a populist, an eccentric, a scourge of insurance companies and – regrettably – a big reason Jesse Helms was U.S. Senator for so long. Elected commissioner in 1972, Ingram waged a 12-year crusade against auto insurance companies, claiming they gouged customers. “Fighting for You” was his mantra. But his…
Read MoreCut, Forest, Cut
A TAPster reports that he “burst out laughing when new Lt. Governor Dan Forest quietly announced his staff over the weekend.” The TAPster goes on to ask: “Why does he need a chief of staff? And why on earth does he need a ‘director of operations’? To operate what? The copier? The office…
Read MoreMcCrory’s Picks
Some critics forget a big point about Governor McCrory’s appointments: He won. He gets to pick who he wants. No matter what you think. That said, three questions arise. First, Tony Tata? Really? The knock on Tata as Wake school head was that he was a bully who brooked no dissent or disagreement. And…
Read MoreKnee-Slappers
After Tony Tata’s appointment, a Republican friend said ruefully: “I hope he does better with DOT than he did with the school buses.” Speaking of jokes, Governor-elect McCrory’s apparently fell flat at the Economic Forecast Forum this week. In the spirit of bipartisanship, here’s a word of advice to the new Governor –…
Read MoreThe Big Deal: 1 + 1 = 3
Up in Congress the Democrats wanted to raise taxes on 2% of the people — while the Republicans wanted to cut government spending instead. So they reached a compromise. The result? They voted to raise taxes on 77% of the people — and to increase spending. How did that happen? It’s hard to…
Read MoreTwo Inaugurals?
Democrats should hold their fire here. Especially since a McCrory vs. media fight is brewing. Don’t get in the way. The North Carolina Press Association objects to the one-camera, one-reporter pool for the new governor’s swearing-in Saturday. The Henderson Daily Dispatch editorialized: “McCrory campaigned on openness and transparency. Granted, there’ll be no…
Read MoreCliffhanger
We avoided the dreaded fiscal cliff, only to fall over the cliff of confusion. I was stumped when two Democrats asked: Do we like the deal – or not? Well, we’re told it will prevent a stock-market panic and double-dip recession. That’s good, right? The Tea Party and House GOP Taliban are…
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