CHARLOTTE, NC — It’s not over ’til the Electoral College says so! With the national polls tightening, North Carolina and its 15 electoral votes matter more than ever. Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis is live in the studio on the battle for our battleground state.
A Defiant Trump, and an Audience to Match His Mood
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Is the country more divided than it was at the beginning of the political season? Will it ever heal? When Donald Trump last visited Charlotte way back in August, it was a subdued affair, as Trump rallies go — some signs, the candidate center stage, only a few halfhearted chants of “lock her up.” He was beginning his campaign’s message of outreach to African-American communities, with his awkward refrain of, “What do you have to lose by trying something new?”
Several supporters I talked with then in this diverse city were attracted as much by Trump’s moderate positions on issues such as abortion and LGBT rights as they were by his anti-establishment rage.
What a difference two months makes …
Oct172016
The GOP’s Civil Rights Amnesia
When the face of your opposition on any issue is John Lewis, you need to choose your words carefully: “Publicity stunt” probably should not be the go-to phrase.
Congressman Lewis, a Democrat representing Georgia, brings with him a moral gravity because of his courageous place in the country’s progress toward equality.
But it is very clear in the response of House Speaker Paul D. Ryan to the sit-in on the floor of the House over an impasse in gun control legislation that the Republican from Wisconsin is not a student of history – that of his esteemed and respected colleague, his country or his own party.
Jun272016
Even in the Waiting Room, No Escaping Trump Talk
It could have been a Donald Trump rally . Except it wasn’t. It was a doctor’s office , a place usually associated with quiet visitors minding their own business. But not on a recent afternoon, with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Trump over the top in delegates and in his rhetoric on the television screen in the waiting room, and a couple of folks loudly declaring their support and amusement. “This is going to be fun,” joked one middle-aged white man to another. I glanced up from the week-old People magazine and said, matter-of-factly, “Not everyone may be laughing.”
And then the torrent started, for a very long 10 minutes or so, as guy No. 1 started his speech, directed at me in particular and the room in general, until even his comrade-in-yuks inched away.
Jun012016
Could a 3rd Party Candidate Happen?
CHARLOTTE, NC — Some ranking GOP members still aren’t sold on Donald Trump and are throwing around the idea of backing a third party candidate. WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis is in to discuss the possibility of yet another Campaign 2016 shakeup.
May182016
What’s Next Following the Wisconsin Primaries?
CHARLOTTE, NC — Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders both pulled off big wins in Tuesday’s Wisconsin primaries upsetting each party’s front runner Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The victories narrow the delegates gap between the party nominee hopefuls. WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis talks with us about the wins and what’s next in the race for the White House.
Apr062016
In North Carolina, LGBT Bill Is Political and Personal
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – It doesn’t take much to re-brand a state. Ask North Carolina.
Here’s the formula: Have the general assembly call a special session to pass a law that revokes an LGBT-anti-discrimination ordinance approved by the state’s largest city — plus throw a few other restrictive goodies into the package. Then wait for the headlines that compare you unfavorably to Georgia, whose governor just vetoed a related “religious freedom” bill. You then become the headquarters for boycotts and petitions on one side and thankful prayers on the other. And, just like that, watch a once touted label as a progressive outpost in the South disappear.
– See more at: http://www.rollcall.com/news/opinion/north-carolina-lgbt-bill-political-personal#sthash.zKuDL6WC.dpuf
Apr042016
House Bill 2 and What It Means for North Carolina
CHARLOTTE, NC — House Bill 2 continues to divide North Carolina and is drawing a lot of criticism from around the country. WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis breaks down the economic and political implications that House Bill 2 could have on the state and right here in Charlotte.
Mar302016
North Carolina, Explained
After decisive primary, it’s still a battleground, and the state likes it that way.
Mar172016
