Is North Carolina Turning Blue?

Washington Post: In Insecure Times, A State Once Firmly Republican Now Wobbles

(Washington Post) 
Watching Obama navigate political minefields this year has made Sanders rethink what he could become. If only he could push past his trepidations. He is almost there with his confidence, but not quite. "I would like to see Barack Obama win, but I don't think this society is ready for it."

King Carter is ready. He and his recording team from YoungSouth Entertainment pulled up in front of So Sharp one evening in a van emblazoned with his name, music blaring from the speakers, his music. He had just released his first rap CD at age 24, with a marketing approach tied to Obama's campaign. On one of his tracks, he calls himself "the young Obama," and his promotional material included several hundred red-white-and-blue yard signs with his name and "No Choice '08," which he quickly spread around town. No other choice for the White House, and no other choice for your iPod. It just made sense to him. "Seems like all the young people are involved in this election," said Carter, and those are his listeners. "I see a lot more people of color taking pride in what they do. I think Obama inspired that."

Faith and doubt.

Vaughn's good fortune at the Queen City Motel lasted but a month. He was kicked out, his minister said, and he and Brenda Williams were back on the streets without a home. "I told him that sometimes you have to go through what you have to go through, to get where you need to go," said Derrick Moore, who presides at his grandfather's Pentecostal church, Bread of Life Deliverance. "If you glorify God, He'll provide for you."

* * *

In the tall, gleaming buildings downtown are thousands of workers who are now jittery. Even the young ones. "It's not fear for the market," said 22-year-old Alexandre Adam, who is in retail finance at Wachovia. "It's more fear for my job. I'm just starting. The worry is about a job."

There is a strangeness now to the downtown landscape, or "uptown," as it's called here. The country is said to be in the deepest economic ditch since the Great Depression. Bank of America, another pillar of financial Charlotte, swallowed up Merrill Lynch in a $50 billion takeover that was part of this mess. Wachovia is waiting for its demise to become official, its employees so pitied that the upscale restaurant Carpe Diem is offering them a $30 three-course meal called the "Wachovia Employee's Recovery Package." Meanwhile, the cranes keep churning, and they are everywhere. Construction continues on a Wachovia skyscraper that was slated to be the new corporate headquarters, on the NASCAR Hall of Fame, on the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture. Construction work in uptown is plentiful, even as the statewide jobless rate rose to 7 percent in September, the highest since January 2002.

Dawn Cruz was outside One Wachovia Plaza on a cloudy day recently, working her Green's Lunch hot dog stand, a satellite of a longtime local institution known for having the best hot dogs. Cruz has worked there for 11 years. Typically, she'd sell 300 hot dogs a day. "Now, I'm lucky if I sell 100. . . . Some of the bigger people in the bank, they don't come out here and get hot dogs. Maybe they're too good for hot dogs."

She worries she might be out of a job when Wells Fargo comes along. "I don't know how to do nothing but hot dogs," Cruz said.

The craziness of these times can get you to thinking. The recent gas shortages, a carryover from hurricanes Gustav and Ike, led to long lines and fights at the pumps and finger-pointing at local officials.

All this drama over gas.

"I sold my vehicle and started walking," Cruz said. And walking can make you wonder. At some point, in her mind, the bigwigs not buying dogs, the depressed economy and the looming presidential election all sort of congealed into one big thought: "It is time for a change." That's what she concluded. "Anybody has got to do better than the Bushes, and I'm a Republican."

A Republican? For John McCain? "No. Because he worked under the Bushes. I'm for Obama."

* * *

There aren't many Republicans like Dawn Cruz to be found once you head over Highway 74 into Union County, 25 miles outside of Charlotte. Traffic is annoyingly slow, as the once-sleepy county, which had one stoplight between it and Charlotte 50 years ago, is now connected by a Rockville Pike-like stretch of mattress factories, car dealerships and chain restaurants. Union continues to be the state's fastest-growing county, anchored by Jesse Helms's home town, Monroe. Right off the highway is the tribute to his legacy, the Jesse Helms Center in Wingate.

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CBS Evening News: Supporters' Hard Work Changed N.C. Dynamic
CBS News senior political correspondent Jeff Greenfield reports more on how North Carolina became a batttleground this year.

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For most of the past three decades, the polarizing GOP senator shaped the state's national political image. But Helms, who died this summer, hasn't been on the ballot in 12 years. He no longer defines the state or Union County. "It's not clear that Jesse Helms could be elected in this state today," said Guillory.

Not that there aren't fierce opinions among Union County Republicans about what's at stake in this election. Maryan Handy manages the small GOP headquarters in Monroe. "You're looking at the Republican Woman of the Year," she said by way of greeting, alone in the office one late afternoon. "When they leave me here by myself and I get bored, I make my own signs." She pointed to one behind her desk. "I like my dog with the lipstick best of all. I went on the Internet and put in 'pit bull' and that's the first thing that came out" -- a photo of a white pit bull whose lips Handy colored red, a tribute to Sarah Palin.

All of a sudden, she had some customers, coming in for yard signs and McCain-Palin bumper stickers. Process engineer Jeff Roberts and cattle farmer Lonnie Carpenter both were work-dusty and tired but boisterous, Roberts a certified Republican who brought Carpenter with him. He boasted of turning his Democratic buddy to the other side, but it wasn't clear that had taken much of a push.

"I don't think he has the guts to handle the job," said Carpenter. "I think he is a mouth full of 'gimme' and a whole lot of 'much obliged.' He hollers 'changes, changes,' and you never hear what the change is."

Take the war in Iraq, he said. "I think wanting to cut back troops, setting a deadline, that's bullcrap."

Roberts agreed. "War is ugly," he said. "War is dirty. You level the city, they learn. I don't think that country knows what freedom is, so they don't know how to accept freedom. McCain has been there and done that. He knows what it is to be locked up. I think McCain will fight for his people."

And if Barack Obama is indeed elected?

"I'm not going to like it," said Roberts.

"It'll be what we got," said Carpenter. "I just hope and pray that the man has not been planted here by a foreign country. I just hope he is not the kind who flew those planes into those towers. . . . We got rid of one Hussein. We don't need another."

Faith and doubt. Whose will prevail in North Carolina on Nov. 4?

Is it the faith Jeff Roberts holds that McCain knows how to fight? Is it the doubt Lonnie Carpenter has that Obama can protect and represent America?

Is it the faith Monroe Mayor Bobby Kilgore has that Obama's race won't be a barrier in North Carolina?

"If he has done anything across this country," Kilgore said of Obama, "he's helped bring people together." Kilgore had just left a Rotary Club meeting and was sitting on a patio facing a golf course. His is a nonpartisan office, and he wasn't speaking as a declared supporter of any candidate. He was speaking as a representative of Monroe who had faith against doubt.

"I hear no negativism on his race," said Kilgore. "I don't think people care. I think they just want someone to lead us. Lead us into the promised land."

Research director Lucy Shackelford contributed to this report.

[scottdavene]

Although, I personally am so far to the left, that even the even the democrats appear to me to be "right-wing," I certainly hope that they win this election. If they don''t, I fear that this country, indeed the entire planet is in serious trouble. The war that the conservatives have rekindled against the Muslim nations is already likely to last for years, if not centuries. Hopefully, Obama can do something to ease the tension.
This war is really a continuation of the holy wars that began so many thousands of years ago. And unfortunately, it appears that religion has shown itself to be the biggest catalyst of hatred that the human race will ever see.
I invite you to my website: www.FreetheGods.com. There you will find a political discussion forum where political ranting is highly encouraged, especially opposing viewpoints!

[mtngurl8]

I am a NC native born and raised and I am voting for OBAMA because I love my children and my country and I fear what 4 more years of failed Bush policies will do to both their futures. The republicans quoted in the above story are typical of republicans in our state, uneducated, or greedy, naive or devious, if you are not rich and you vote republican I am sorry but you are stupid. If you are a Christian and you vote for McCain you really need to search your soul and think about what where your belief system comes from - God Bless us all and God bless Obama a Christian not a Muslim. thank you

[milcrow]

"Now I will be voting for John McCain in November for many reasons...including having the insight to recognize that our country is better off with a moderate Republican than a far left hardcore liberal like Obama."

McCain stopped being a moderate when he chose Palin as his running mate. And if you think W is bad, think about Palin in the White House. She would be much, much worse than W...even more ignorant, even more fanatical, far more dangerous.

[slayrre007]

The Illinois State Senate is corrupt as is Chicago politics.

Obama has the most liberal voting record in Congress...WHEN he decides to show up. The fraud Obama has 130 votes PRESENT in his very brief career. No excuse... just the honest realization that he did not want to vote on any of the more controversial issues. That...in itself...is a strong sign of someone who lacks leadership.

Obama is not respected on both sides of the aisle. If that were the case...he would have a more "bi-partisan" voting record.

William Ayers is a terrorist who should have been executed years ago. This terrorist got off on a technicality. In 2001...when Obama was in Ayers back pocket...Mr. Ayers made the statement that he did not bomb enough. Nuff said..!

ACORN is a corrupt organization that promotes the interests of the Democratic Party. This is why Barack Obama continues to give them hundreds of thousands of dollars.

George W Bush is an idiot. I voted against him twice. Barack H. Obama is a liar with no experience. I will vote against him come Nov.

None of us know if Obama is a closet Muslim or not. What we do know is that he was raised by two radical Muslim fathers, attended a Muslim school at one time, has a Muslim middle name, and attended a church where the preacher was anti-American. You draw your own conclusions.

[slayrre007]

Let me start by saying that I voted against George W. Bush in both elections and in both elections I predicted he would lead this country to ruin.

Now I will be voting for John McCain in November for many reasons...including having the insight to recognize that our country is better off with a moderate Republican than a far left hardcore liberal like Obama (with a Democratic controlled Congress).

As for Barack Hussein Obama...once Barack, as Commander-In-Chief, is given our countries top military secrets... he will find a way to give the information to his "brothers" in the middle east. For anyone that doesn''''t think this is possible...think again.

How soon Americans everywhere forget how unprepared we were for 9/11. Intellectually we could not accept the real danger of such an attack. Now we are unprepared to accept the real threat that the next attack to destroy America will come from within....that threat is Barack Obama.

This country has sold out common sense and intelligence in their efforts to prove that a black man can become elected President. Not measuring Barack Obama''s character and political allegiance by his association with people like Rev. Wright, Louis Farrakhan, Tony Rezko, and William Ayers or organizations as corrupt as ACORN... is unforgivable.

Obama will finish the job of ruining this country started by George W. Bush...but Barack will prove to be the catalyst to the final fall of America and the ending of the American way of life.

[the74blaster]

Posted by umtomcat at 05:27 PM : Oct 22, 2008,

Good Point! Apparently the GOP supporters feel like throwing rocks from the pourch of a glass house. Obama has won my respect by sticking to the issues and highlighting his differences with McCain. He has had a few negative ads, but for the most part Obama has taken the high road.

The GOP is in a dangerous position and they need to do whatever they can to win. My advice to them is keep the mudslinging going and tell as many whoppers as possible!

I wnat to see Obama win in a landslide!

[newlector]

I am wondering, when Mr. McCain will recognize the reality and roll over the carpet, take a permanent vacation (repairmen)after all he is a Senior Citizen
enjoy life. Why he want to condemn us with his stubborn attitude and impossible dream of wanting to become president of the United Sates of America.

This Nation deserves better, some one smart, enthusiastic, with a work plan, not a grumpy old man accompanied with one schizophrenic woman, who keep talking a lot of meaningless every single day.
She is worst that Bush, I though was going to be impossible to find some one worst than Bush, but I have to admit it I was wrong.

My advice,if you are a republican don''t tell anybody just go quitely and vote for Obama, on Nov. 4, be sincere even if you don''t mean it!!!
You gonna feel: pain,frustration, anger, disappointment, remorse, desperation if you vote for McCain and Palin........Will still have room for you, come and join us, we want to share the peace and tranquility with you....is not difficult to be successful.
Mr. McCain, I''m really sorry for your loss!!!

[pensacola98]

John McCain wants to spread the poverty!!!

Barack Obama wants to spread the wealth!!!!

When you call someone a Socialist, IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE!!!!

[toolmangler-2009]

I wouldn''t live in Gooberville, NC if someone paid me a $1,000,000! I''ve been there and when you get outside the main cities, it''s still 1940!
Posted by thisandthat1 at 05:37 PM : Oct 22, 2008



That statement makes you out a liar as there is no Gooberville, N.C.. There is a Gooberville La however and I suggest you move there. I live in the heart of North Carolina and bleed UNC Blue. N.C. Has always been blue (UNC Blue) We even have a (ugh) Dook blue. For 1.000.000 dollars there are few places I wouldn''t live (in the USA). I have been in every state in the lower 48 (cept for Ca) and like North Carolina best

[miles1967-2009]

To read about the REAL McCain and Palin, check out the link below and send to all your friends:

http://www.rollingstone.com/
news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_th
e_real_john_mccain

[windmaster12]

America First?

According to documentation obtained by the U.S. Veteran Dispatch, not only did POW McCain promise to give the communists "military information" in exchange for special hospital care not ordinarily available to U.S. prisoners, but he also made numerous antiwar radio broadcasts.


The following is McCain''''s own admission of collaboration in an article he wrote, printed May 14, 1973 in U.S. News and World Report:

"I think it was on the fourth day [after being shot down] that two guards came in, instead of one. One of them pulled back the blanket to show the other guard my injury. I looked at my knee. It was about the size, shape and color of a football. I remembered that when I was a flying instructor a fellow had ejected from his plane and broken his thigh. He had gone into shock, the blood had pooled in his leg, and he died, which came as quite a surprise to usa man dying of a broken leg.

Then I realized that a very similar thing was happening to me.

"When I saw it, I said to the guard, `O.K., get the officer.''''

"An officer came in after a few minutes. It was the man that we came to know very well as `The Bug.'''' He was a psychotic torturer, one of the worst fiends that we had to deal with. I said, `O.K., I''''ll give you military information if you will take me to the hospital

Google:
Mccain Collaborator

[thisandthat1]

I wouldn''t live in Gooberville, NC if someone paid me a $1,000,000! I''ve been there and when you get outside the main cities, it''s still 1940!

If Obama wanted to emulate McCain''s attack ads, we would hear robocalls in North Carolina informing America''s patriots that McCain:

a) was in the pocket of former Lincoln Savings & Loan president and convicted criminal Charles Keating;

b) was buddies with fellow criminal Republicans Ted Stevens, Tom Delay, Scooter Libby, Trent Lott, Jack Abramoff, Don Young, Alberto Gonzales, Nick Smith, Larry Craig, Mark Foley...etc;

c) accepted political donations from the Watergate convicted criminal G. Gordon Liddy;

d) picked a runningmate mired in scandal (Troopergate) and has acted "unethical" according to her own people - - and doctored expense reports to bilk Alaska''''s taxpayers;

e) gave up information to his communist captors in North Vietnam, whereas other American prisoners did NOT;

McCain has a lot to answer for, but Obama hasn''t stooped to that level. You can''''t vote for criminals and call yourself a patriot.

[my0pinion381]

You know what i changed my mind about Obama! I think he will be better for national security and the economy!

Besides I think Sarah Palin is really a Nazi!

Breaking news:
www.chilitoz.com
Thousands of pictures of NAZI SS Officers and Adolf Hitler found property owned by Sarah and Todd Palin. Also an apparent Altar dedicated to the notorious Angel of death Dr. Joseph Mengele along with thousands of NAZi era coins.

[toolmangler-2009]

Posted by TheMasses1 at 05:02 PM : Oct 22, 2008



Swinehund, Dumpfbacke, Dumkopf, Ich spreche Kliene Deutsch. Geh mir aus der Sonne!

[toolmangler-2009]

If he is elected President he would not qualify to be his own body guard
Posted by flalady41 at 04:38 PM : Oct 22, 2008


None of them would woman, Get real and try to find a genuine reason not to vote Obama. We (and the GOP and Democratic party not to mention the CIA,FBI,NSA,HSA, 50 different SBIs and a lot of other letters of the alphabet have investigated both candidate 100%. Where do you get the gall to tell all that read your words that you know more than them. (And yes, they also knew about 9/11 before it happened, but thats another topic)

If Obama wanted to emulate McCain''s attack ads, we would hear robocalls in North Carolina informing America''''s patriots that McCain:

a) was in the pocket of former Lincoln Savings & Loan president and convicted criminal Charles Keating;

b) was buddies with fellow criminal Republicans Ted Stevens, Tom Delay, Scooter Libby, Trent Lott, Jack Abramoff, Don Young, Alberto Gonzales, Nick Smith, Larry Craig, Mark Foley...etc;

c) accepted political donations from the Watergate convicted criminal G. Gordon Liddy;

d) picked a runningmate mired in scandal (Troopergate) and has acted "unethical" according to her own people - - and doctored expense reports to bilk Alaska''s taxpayers;

e) gave up information to his communist captors in North Vietnam, whereas other American prisoners did NOT;

McCain has a lot to answer for, but Obama hasn''''t stooped to that level. You can''t vote for criminals and call yourself a patriot.

[toolmangler-2009]

This white NC Dem is voting for Obama for one reason, (He is not republican) I wish he weren''t black only because that gives hope to the Repugs, other than that I don''t care what color he is. To me, race is a non-issue....

[flalady41]

Something to think about.... If Barack Obama would apply for a job with the FBI or with the Secret Service, he would be disqualified because of his past association with William Ayers, a known terrorist. If he is elected President he would not qualify to be his own body guard!

[pvperson]

"I don''t think he has the guts to handle the job," said Carpenter. "I think he is a mouth full of ''gimme'' and a whole lot of ''much obliged.'' He hollers ''changes, changes,'' and you never hear what the change is."

That''s the face of the ignorant, the neo-con that doesn''t know a thing about which he speaks, he just wants an excuse to vote against the black guy.