Republicans | Mary C. Curtis

Oct172016 TAGS: 2016 presidential race, Charlotte, Democrats, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, North Carolina, Republicans

Trump’s ‘Charm Offensive’ Continues, as Daughter-In-Law Opens North Carolina Offices

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lara Trump, the candidate’s daughter-in-law, is just a “Carolina girl,” from Wilmington, she wants you to know, with “good Southern values.” And Donald Trump, “the man I know him to be,” is “a very humble, soft-spoken, funny guy,” with a weakness for McDonald’s.

That was the message of the wife of Eric Trump at a Wednesday appearance opening the first North Carolina offices for the GOP presidential candidate in the important swing state.

Sep152016 TAGS: 2016 presidential race, Donald Trump, North Carolina, Republicans

The Unconventional Republican National Convention

CHARLOTTE, NC — The RNC may have gotten off to a rocky start but an anti-Hillary Clinton theme seems to be bringing the party together. WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in on the events so far in Cleveland and what could be ahead as we move closer to November.

Jul202016 TAGS: 2016 presidential race, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Republicans, RNC

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 TAGS: 2016 presidential race, civil rights, Democrats, John Lewis, Paul Ryan, Republicans

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 TAGS: Democrats, Donald Trump, Republicans

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 TAGS: 2016 presidential race, Democrats, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Republicans

Life Before and After Getting Tossed from a Trump Rally

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On a recent afternoon, Rose Hamid sat at a table at one of the busiest business intersections in the city’s center, sharing information about her faith and handing out copies of the Koran in English and Spanish.

Hamid, president of Muslim Women of the Carolinas, finds peace living in the so-called Bible belt. “Charlotte is a city where people are strong in their faith,” she said. “That’s something that’s comforting for me.”

Apr182016 TAGS: Donald Trump, Muslims, Republicans

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 TAGS: 2016 presidential race, Bernie Sanders, Democrats, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Republicans, Ted Cruz

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 TAGS: Democrats, Governor Pat McCrory, LGBT equality, North Carolina, Republicans, Roy Cooper

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.