Here’s what’s keeping America’s elections experts up at night
A bipartisan panel of election law experts is largely satisfied with the integrity of the American election system, but they’re also warning about evolving threats from artificial intelligence, foreign governments and home-grown malfeasants spreading rumors and lies about the process and the outcome of the 2024 General Election.
Another school shooting, another call for assault rifle bans
Remarks given by Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, stumping for the Democratic presidential ticket during a visit to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, took on a more poignant air due to a tragic coincidence and a surprise guest — suggesting Americans remain especially divided on a controversial issue.
Rachel Hunt seeks to build on her own legacy in Lt. Gov. race
It’s a name familiar to older North Carolina voters largely due to her father’s two separate eight-year terms as the state’s governor, but Mecklenburg attorney, former House representative and current Sen. Rachel Hunt’s been building her own legacy and is poised to serve as lieutenant governor in what she hopes will be a Gov. Josh Stein administration, if they can both win.
Four days: Kamala Harris' unlikely journey, via Chicago, plays a huge role in Biden's legacy
Editor’s note: This story is a compilation of Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt’s pop-up daily dispatches, “Via Chicago,” originally published online from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago the week of Aug. 19.
Bearers of the Tar Heel torch: North Carolina’s youngest DNC delegates reaffirm commitment to party in Chicago
Torches were passed at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last week, even more so than most people might have seen on their television screens.
Via Chicago: Day 2, ‘A bold vision for America’s future’
Editor’s note: “Via Chicago” is Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt’s pop-up daily dispatch from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Look for a new installment each day this week, through Friday.
Trump, light on policy but heavy on Harris attacks, visits Asheville
At his Aug. 14 rally in Asheville — billed as an opportunity to deliver remarks on the economy — former President Donald Trump didn’t have much in the way of specifics, but he may have finally found his voice on the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris.
A thank you to Joe Biden
To the Editor:
You have done something rare in American politics putting the needs of the country above your own by ending your run for a second term.
On the surface it seems so simple
To the Editor:
On the one hand we have a president who is guilty of being old and frail. On the other hand we have a challenger who is guilty of sexual assault, fraudulent business transactions, bogus charities, campaign finance fraud associated with concealing a tryst with a porn star, and two impeachments among other charges yet to be prosecuted.
Democrats hit the campaign trail in rural North Carolina
Old-school campaigning is back in rural North Carolina, and this time it’s the Democrats leading the charge.
In the 2020 election, North Carolina Democrats lost the presidential election by fewer than 75,000 votes and are looking to make up for those missed opportunities this election cycle by turning to old-fashioned door-to-door campaigning and hosting events in rural counties to connect with voters.
