Civitalk

This week, we bid Civitalk farewell as we prepare for the exciting transition ahead: Civitas and John Locke Foundation’s new union! Ray and Brooke reflect on the lessons they’ve learned during their time at Civitas, as well as consider the lessons that giving to private charity can teach us during this time. They open up the...

This episode, Ray and Brooke get into the Christmas cheer by discussing “Woke Santa” and his dalliance with political correctness at the expense of a child, as well as the changing demographics across the state and our nation, and reflect on the best of 2020. Have a question or comment? Send us an email at [email protected]....

Ray is joined by Bob Luebke, director of policy for the Civitas Institute. They talk the good and bad of Christmas, the current political realignment going on in the nation, the 2022 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, education, and voter ID. Ray kicks it off by complaining about the cold but Bob helps take the Christmas...

Thanksgiving is on the horizon and Ray and Brooke sit down to discuss cherished Thanksgiving traditions and edibles, as well as venture into the uncertainty and disruption COVID and government shutdowns have created during this special time of year. They also lament the return of the toilet paper shortages we all so viscerally experienced the...

“Even though Cooper won, a lot of the issues he ran on lost.” – Ray Nothstine On this episode of Civitalk, Ray and Brooke discuss the dynamics of the election results. Does Trump continue to remain a force of influence on the political Right? How did Gov. Roy Cooper (D) win when so many Republicans...

This week, Ray and Brooke are joined by election policy analyst Andy Jackson to dive deep into the Election Day results. They discuss the impact President Trump has had on the GOP’s ability to expand its base and what the future might hold. They also consider ticket splitters who are those voters that split their...

What went wrong with the polls in 2016? This week, Joseph Campbell, author of Lost in a Gallup, joins Ray and Brooke to examine this question that has perplexed many voters and experts. They discuss lessons learned, as well as consider what role public opinion polling should play in political forecasts. Have a question or...

This week, Ray and Brooke discuss unscientific political prognostications based on which homes decide to observe Halloween and which cars they drive, Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden’s visits to North Carolina and who appears to be winning the state. Have a question or comment? Send us an...

This week, Ray is joined by Leah Byers to discuss the recent gubernatorial debate between Gov. Roy Cooper and Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, sharing what they believe were the evening’s hits and misses. They also examine the special Civitas Action Freedom Rankings and consider the top scorers (including a surprise or two!) in this unique...

This week, Ray and Brooke examine the substance of the Vice Presidential debate and issue a definitive ruling on the accusations that Vice President Mike Pence was Mansplainer in Chief. They also discuss the latest developments in the Cal Cunningham scandal, what this might mean for his race, and how it impacts public perception of...