Former Governor Examines Campaign Tactics, Trump’s Influence and Political Debate
A Direct Conversation With Students
Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory gave students a frank look at modern politics during a virtual class discussion. He spoke with students in Assistant Professor Israel Balderas’ Politics and Mass Media course, drawing on more than two decades in elected office.
McCrory served seven terms as mayor of Charlotte and one term as governor. During the discussion, he talked about political campaigns, the Republican Party and the influence of President Donald Trump. He also offered criticism of both major political parties.
The conversation took place soon after McCrory had taken part in a national political discussion. That timing allowed students to continue exploring major issues with someone who had held high public office and faced difficult political decisions.
Campaign Promises Often Lack Details
McCrory said political candidates often focus on repeating problems and promising solutions without explaining how they would carry out those plans. He argued that candidates from both parties spend too much time making broad promises and too little time discussing the work required to fulfill them.
He pointed to the North Carolina race for the U.S. Senate as an example. McCrory said Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper had spent much of their campaigns discussing subjects outside the direct duties of a senator. He believed voters deserved clearer answers about federal issues such as foreign policy and Social Security.
“What you do as a politician now to get the votes is you state what the problem is over and over, and then you say you’re going to solve it,” McCrory said. “Or you say I’m going to have a plan to fix it without giving any of the details of the plan.”
Student Miri Pottebaum, a visual communication major, asked whether candidates could gain public attention by addressing serious national issues instead of relying on familiar campaign themes.
McCrory said many candidates avoid difficult topics because clear positions can create political risks. Taking a firm stand may push away independent voters or give opponents material to use against them.
He made a similar point about Social Security and future presidential campaigns, saying candidates from either party would likely avoid explaining exactly what they planned to do with the program.
The Value of Hearing Different Views
For Pottebaum, the discussion showed why students should listen to people with different political opinions. She said McCrory did not change her views, but she valued his willingness to speak openly and criticize both parties.
That exchange reflected a larger goal of the class: helping students understand political communication by engaging directly with people who have different experiences and beliefs.
“While he didn’t change my opinion on anything, I feel it’s always important to be in conversation with people who share different opinions,” Pottebaum said. “I appreciated that he was open with us and criticized both parties.”
McCrory’s Mixed View of Trump
McCrory also discussed his complicated relationship with Trump. He traveled with Trump during the presidential campaign and saw firsthand how Trump connected with voters.
McCrory credited Trump with bringing many blue-collar voters into the Republican Party. Some of those voters had traditionally supported Democrats. At the same time, McCrory criticized Trump’s harsh language and political style.
McCrory described himself as more of a “Reagan Republican,” referring to the style of Republican politics associated with former President Ronald Reagan. He said Trump brought a level of crudeness to national politics that had not been seen at the presidential level before.
Even with those concerns, McCrory said Trump could be personally warm and attentive in private conversations. He recalled being surprised by Trump’s courteous behavior away from the public spotlight.
McCrory also described Trump’s endorsement of Ted Budd as a major turning point in McCrory’s unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate. The experience showed how much power a presidential endorsement can have within the Republican Party.
Students Asked Tough Questions
Balderas organized the virtual visit to resemble a news conference with a governor. Each of the 12 students prepared a serious question for McCrory instead of simply asking about personal opinions or campaign slogans.
The discussion gave students a chance to study how political figures explain decisions, respond to criticism and handle controversial subjects. It also allowed them to hear from someone who had governed, faced public pressure and dealt with political disputes.
Balderas said students can learn from listening to public officials even when they disagree with them. He praised the class for showing confidence and curiosity while discussing complicated issues.
He said the students were not just completing a classroom assignment. They were taking part in a serious conversation about some of the most important questions in American politics.