Let’s review. Bev’s rallies have achieved the following:
1) They have made her appear to be a lackey of special interest groups like the NCAE.
“It was no accident that the governor began her speaking tour at the State Capitol before a gathering of teachers and NCAE activists. They represent a core constituency of the Democratic Party. They helped get Perdue and other Democrats elected last year. And they are mad, hopping mad, at the prospect of a 2009-10 state budget that increases class sizes, eliminates some teacher-assistant positions, and shaves some other educational expenses.” (John Hood, Carolina Journal)
2) By most accounts, the rallies lacked substance.
“It seemed like it was just sort of a pep rally,” said Ellis Harmon, a music teacher from Edgecombe County, who said he was worried about his pay being cut. “She didn’t say anything specific.” (News & Observer, Under the Dome)
(See also, these excerpts from the Governor’s prepared remarks.)
3) The primary audience, public school teachers, saw through the hype.
“I think what’s happened is we’re couching it as for education, but honestly I think it’s a way of getting taxes increased. I don’t see it helping the educators,” said Deborah Cotton, a teacher at Murray Middle School in New Hanover County. (News 14 Carolina).
