The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics: The Personalities, Elections, and Events That Shaped Modern North Carolina

by Rob Christensen

How can a state be represented by Jesse Helms and John Edwards at the same time? Journalist Rob Christensen answers that question and navigates a century of political history in North Carolina, one of the most politically vibrant and competitive southern states, where neither conservatives nor liberals, Democrats nor Republicans, have been able to rest easy. It is this climate of competition and challenge, Christensen argues, that enabled North Carolina to rise from poverty in the nineteenth century to become a leader in research, education, and banking in the twentieth.

In this new paperback edition, Christensen provides updated coverage of recent changes in North Carolina's political landscape, including the scandals surrounding John Edwards and Mike Easley, the defeat of U.S. senator Elizabeth Dole, the election of the state's first woman governor, and voters' approval of an African American candidate for president. The book provides an overview of the run-up to the 2010 elections and explains how North Carolina has become, arguably, the most politically competitive state in the South.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

372 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting read, especially for someone who grew up in the state, studying its political history in the public schools and then moved away for 10 years not to hear anything about Tar Heel politics (and to understand what an anomaly NC politics really is after living in an very narrow political area for 10 years). I really enjoyed the older history (early/mid 20th century). It was quite interesting to read about the politicians whose names are on all the building I grew up seeing in Morganton and Chapel Hill. It also dispelled a few myths - like the one about O. Max Gardner I'd always heard at Chapel Hill - he was a Grand Wizard of the KKK and a building at UNC should not have been named after him. However actually having the time to read about him in this book it would be hard to imagine that this guy was in the klan - he was much too liberal - in fact he was very close to FDR and he and his wife were two of the most socially desired couples in the country during the 30s - no way people who were as cosmopolitan as them were in the KKK. Anyway I recommend this book to any native NCian who likes politics.

[John Siphers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a more interesting read than I thought it would be. (Though probably not for folks without a North Carolina connection.)

The saddest part for me was in realizing just how long the segregationist culture has existed in our state, and how often racial stereotyping has been used by politicians in their campaigns. Probably sadder, though, is that it has been effective.

I believe there is a second edition of this book, so seek that out if you intend to read it. The last chapter of the first edition mentions John Edwards’ rise, but it would also be interesting to get some assessment of his remarkable fall.

This book, while written well before our current decade, certainly points out the same urban/rural divide that fueled Jesse Helms continues to result in mean spirited state legislation (the “bathroom bill” and the marriage amendment), recent election wins of right wing political newcomers to state and federal offices, and the curious popularity of Donald Trump in small towns throughout the state.

It should be possible to unite North Carolinians to lend their support to policies and programs that will benefit all of us - but it will take a leader that can communicate on many levels to be able to bridge this divide.

[David R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

What we have here is a disappointing hagiography of poltroons. The author is clearly worshipful of not just utter mountebanks like Max Gardner and Kerr Scott, but even of terrorists like Charles Aycock and Furnifold Simmons. Christensen's also astonishingly accepting of the various political "machines" over the last century, excusing or ignoring their excesses. Not what I expected from someone purporting to be a "journalist."

[Michelle Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really interesting to read about these people who have roads, statues, and buildings named after them in North Carolina. Gave me a very deep understanding of how politics in NC works and yes North Carolina is a paradox. For example, Charles Aycock, a staunch segregationist, adamantly argues why the state should fully fund education for black children, but yet helps strip political power away from black citizens. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about the history and the politics of North Carolina.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

An expansive history of politics in North Carolina from 1890 to 2007, written by the most influential political reporter in modern state history. Christensen knew, interviewed, and/or observed many of these leaders closely for decades, and he thoroughly researched those who worked before his own era.

The book follows broad themes of race and class as they permeate state history and repeatedly determine election outcomes. I loved the photographs, anecdotes, and quotations that liven the text throughout.

[J.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shows a lot about why NC politics are the way they are, and sadly illustrates how history repeats itself. Lots of ugliness in here in terms of our history, and some of the snark in the last few chapters left a bad feeling about the writing style. Still, an illuminating read.

[David McLennan]

Christensen does a good job of brining NC political history to life.

[Robfen]

One of my favorite books I have read in recent years. It has shifted how I view NC and ignited an interest in state history.

[Alex Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone from North Carolina should read this book to learn what makes our state unique, what holds us back, and what opportunities are available to us in today's politics.

[Irving Koppel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author,Rob Christensen, has been covering North Carolina politics for thirty-five years as a reporter for the Raleigh "News Observer". He delves into the seeming contradiction of a state which
can elect one of the most conservative senators,Jesse Helms,and yet which
could also elect a populist like John Edwards. He seems to clarify this
seemingly illogical combination by explaining that while the personal
values of the citizens are quite conservative,being part of the Bible
Belt, their aspirations frequently take on a very populist turn of mind.
Having started the twentieth century by literally overthrowing the Republican administration of Wilmington,the state has entered the twenty-
first century by electing Obama. The leadership of the state,for the
most part, has been very progressive in terms of education and aggressive
in attracting new industries. However, that same leadership has been ex-
tremely conservative in granting any rights to labor,mainly to keep the
costs of business to the minimum.

Change has come to the state in the last thirty years through the movement of highly skilled and educated persons from all over the
country. This has diluted the basic conservatism of the state and will
no doubt bring about many changes in the next thirty years. For anyone
who is curious about the roots of present day North Carolina,he will
find this work a very valuable resource.

[Jerry Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good overview of a century of politics in North Carolina. I love Christensen's style of writing -- while providing details, the reader never gets lost in them. Christensen crafts a tale of the ins and outs of politics in the Tar Heel State which is sprinkled with insights and antidotes of some of the characters who make up the story. Highly recommend to anyone interested in North Carolina's history.

[Kate McAllister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great survey of Carolina politics since 1900+. I enjoyed this and learned a lot (I read it for a book club, otherwise would have only ever enjoyed the author's N&O columns but not thought to read his book). I took away from this the notion that the paradox of NC politics is race and also that we consistently elect Republicans to represent us in DC but Democrats to govern the state. Hmmm.

[Lady Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well-written, informative and entertaining survey of Tar Heel politics. The author, a journalist for the Raleigh News & Observer, succinctly communicates trends he has both observed and researched. "The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics" places NC's current political landscape into its historical context. Well worth reading.

[Naomi Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I read it at a time when I needed to understand more about why things work the way they do in NC. It is an easy read and really does explain why a Helms and an Edwards could be senators at the same time. I doubt there are many people who could write a fairly entertaining book with an historic span as long as this without it being an academic tome.

[Peter Gehred · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent history of politics in North Carolina in the 20th century. A well-researched and engrossing narrative, the book has enough information about the larger picture to provide important context for the stories that are the heart of the book.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of twentieth-century politics in North Carolina, centered loosely around the question of how one state could be represented simultaneously by Jesse Helms and John Edwards.

[David Frankstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book about NC politics. It reads a bit like a novel, a sordid novel.

[Agatha Donkar Lund]

Had to return to the library. Back on the to-read list.

[Tamara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this for a POLI SCI state gov class fall 2012 semester. really enjoyed learning about the ppl tht made my state's hx. increased my understanding & chronological memory of many figures & events.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A startling reminder of how both parties have used race-based bigotry to win elections for over a century.

[David Mclennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christensen does a good job of bringing NC political history alive.

[Mary]

Very good history of NC politics in the 20th century. I'm not a native, so after living here almost 25 years, I thought it was time I tried to understand this place. This book helped.

[Lou Lieb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful overview of the last hundred years in tar heel politics.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

despite the title - this is quite the page turner!!