Inaugurals traditionally serve as an opportunity for the new governor to introduce his administration and his priorities, with the focus squarely on himself. Roy Cooper did that last weekend. But his inaugural address had a broader meaning. It hailed the dawn of a new era for the NCDP.
Cooper’s presence alone sent potent message: We are not powerless. It is hard to overstate the degree of Democrat’s marginalization within state government just four years ago. Now they have recaptured the strongest seat of power in Raleigh. The image of a Democrat at the helm should grant this party greater confidence in its ability to steer the ship.
The text of his address revealed a deeper change within the party. Throughout the body of the speech, Cooper radiated a new ideological self-confidence. He spoke openly about the need to fight for economic fairness, to protect the environment, and to fearlessly do battle on behalf of the gay and transgendered communities. In a previous era, state Democrats would have placed their highest priority on distancing themselves from stereotypical liberalism.
Roy Cooper’s self-confident address sent a very different message. While not identitical to the DNC and its social issues-heavy program, our new governor’s message conveys a positive agenda that all state Democrats can proudly champion. Neither he, nor the party he leads, any longer feel the need to crouch in a defensive posture.
Now, this does not mean that he’s embraced a “say it louder” approach to politics. The Democratic wipeout outside of metro areas (both in the state level until recently, and nationally to this day) shows that ideological purism will not work in a centrist envrionment. But the NCDP has found its voice, and Cooper employed it with force and eloquence in his excellent inaugural address.
Alexander Jones is an original contributor to PoliticsNC.
Alex, I agree with your article and assessment of Governor Cooper and the NCDP. One thing I noticed last weekend during the Inaugural Ball was a sense of excitement and energy throughout the event. It is the dawning of a new Democratic era for NC and you could feel it that evening. Gov. Cooper through his leadership will set the new agenda for the state and NCDP. His involvement will help to usher in the Democrat resurgence. The right wing of the Republicans in charge of state government have been destroying our state over the last couple of years. It is time for Democrats to strengthen, regroup and fight back to save our state for a better future. In the next couple of years, we will see the self destruction of those Republicans and a new wave of Democrats sweeping into state and probably local governments. We deserve better leadership in Raleigh than we have had in the last couple of years and it is time for Democrats to make that happen. It is time to stand up and fight for the future of our state and Gov. Cooper will lead the way.
How much energy do you want to pursue it, Do you two years with nothing getting done because no one will budge on this issue. I think there are the issues I mentioned that needs some attention
Norma
I am somewhat new to this site but in the last few weeks I have read you writings. I can tell you that you and I are most likely going to disagree on the direction the Democratic party should head. We are both entitled to our opinion. I was once very active in the state Democratic Party but I have not been for around ten years, I had younger children and dedicated my time to them. During that ten years I was appalled at the direction the party took. I can also say that my daughter in law was a loyal Trump volunteer. I disagree with her choice but I love her dearly and we dont talk politics very much. But we see each other all the time and get along wonderfully. I doubt you would have the same view towards any family member you had who supported let alone campaigned for Trump, I could be wrong.
As for this governor he needs to concentrate on two themes making sure good job opportunities are available to the citizenry, and making college tuition affordable. All the other issues, climate change, lgbt, abortion rights, ect. are not worth wasting the energy with at this time.
Do you really believe it is a “waste of time” to pursue the repeal of HB2?
When you need an abortion, Steven, then you can speak out about how it’s “not worth wasting the energy” on abortion rights.
When you get fired for being a gay man, then you can speak out about how it’s “not worth wasting the energy” on “lgbt.”
And when the eastern half of the state is under water from rising ocean levels, then you can rethink your position on “climate change.”
The GOP is right now trying to kill a $400-million windfarm that is ready to go online, because it will interfere with jobs in the coal and natural gas industry — and because Duke Energy has told them to maintain subsidies for fossil fuels while killing them for renewable energy. And the GOP is going along, and claiming it will “bring jobs” back to NC. But your little children that you took time off to raise will get to breathe that polluted air 10, 15, 30 years from now. I guess you don’t give a damn about their future after all.
The NCDP must stand for principles, and good job opportunities and affordable college tuition are two of them. But so are all the others mentioned, including teacher pay, good schools, a clean, healthy environment, equal right for all citizens, and — along with “job opportunities” — the opportunity for North Carolina citizens to elect representatives of their choice, rather than having one Republican vote count as much as three Democratic votes in choosing our legislature.
You might like wearing blinders, but frankly, if “good job opportunities” are denied LGBTQ citizens, and black citizens, and women — which they are under GOP policies — then those aren’t “good job opportunities” after all. They’re opportunities only for white men who already have opportunities.
You sound like a Trump supporter yourself: end free trade, bring jobs back, and the hell with everything else. If you were in my precinct, I’d strongly suggest you read up on the history of government and politics in NC and the U.S. and start recognizing that progress can be made only when it is made available to all people. And if you didn’t like what you learned, I’d urge you to join the Tea Party, where you seem to feel at home.
AD Reed do not question my Democratic bonfires I may well have been campaigning for Democrats since before you born. And since I the great nephew of a governor I kinda know my history not to mention I majored in history. Not that long ago Democrats won elections in this state because they understood priorities. What I am seeing today they are lacking. Now you can either make excases and point fingers or you can look at unselfish and ask what am I doing wrong winning elections is simple get more votes. In order to that your hAve to understand voters priorities. For a long time the party understood that now not so much. And let’s see which was more successful.
I have to disagree here gov cooper is going to have to work with this legislature and he need to fight battles he can win.
Given the GOP behavior in the recent special sessions, I see nothing right now except teacher pay where there may be any common ground. It is also fair to say that the legislation passed during the special sessions cannot be seen in any way other than throwing down the gauntlet to newly elected Gov Cooper.
Perhaps you could point out specific issues on which you think it is possible for Gov Cooper to fight and win?
Finally, a governor with a spine!