Senate President Phil Berger

The article argues that American political traditions, such as respecting adversaries and committing to open debate, are giving way to prioritizing power at all costs. This cynical trend is noted in North Carolina, where Republican leaders have allegedly adopted a brand of raw power politics. A specific concern is the transformation of the state auditor’s office into a hyperpartisan weapon, illustrated by Auditor Dave Boliek overseeing elections in an embarrassingly partisan fashion.