In Gaston County, Whatley Details Cooper’s Record Of Making Stuff Cost More, While Cooper Campaign Removes Reporters
Today, both major candidates for the North Carolina Senate race campaigned in Gaston County. Republican Michael Whatley held a press conference at a local manufacturer, detailing Cooper’s record of overseeing skyrocketing costs for healthcare, housing, and energy. In contrast, Cooper's campaign removed the Blue Ridge Times and North State Journal from their press conference.
Whatley highlighted Cooper’s record of making things cost more in several key areas:
Under Cooper’s watch, North Carolina experienced the highest increase in healthcare costs, and during his run for Senate, Cooper accepted nearly $400,000 in campaign contributions from big insurance companies.
Whatley highlighted Cooper’s opposition to natural gas, which hindered North Carolina’s ability to access this key energy supply for economic growth to keep electric rates lower. Instead, Cooper remained focused on a slush fund that would have directly benefited his farm.
Finally, Whatley ended the press conference recalling Cooper’s record of raising taxes, then vetoing tax cuts, and pivoted to Cooper’s public safety crises.
Cooper campaign kicks out the Blue Ridge Times and North State Journal
Former Governor Roy Cooper held a campaign event later in the afternoon. The Blue Ridge Times RSVPed to the event two days ago. The video from the event shows Jordan Monaghan singling out the Blue Ridge Times, asking them to leave the event. Monaghan followed up by removing a photographer from the North State Journal. Apparently, the Cooper campaign was deeply concerned about a photographer capturing something they did not want the public to see.
This is yet the latest example of lack of transparency from former Governor Roy Cooper. This week, the North State Journal reported that only after three years and the threat of litigation did Cooper’s administration comply with the law and release some of former Governor Roy Cooper’s emails. While he was governor, WRAL promise tracker boldly stated that he broke his promise to provide public records in a timely fashion. This is a habit that he carried on as Attorney General, where he allegedly only sent a handful of emails during his 16 years in office.
Understanding the leftward shift in state-level media:
Removing conservative-leaning outlets from a press event is nothing new for Cooper. He shut out conservative media during his virtual COVID briefings and regularly refuses to engage with media outlets anywhere right of the far left. This is standard in today’s polarized media environment.
Two individuals who work for legacy outlets tried to push their way uninvited into Whatley events. Unlike the Blue Ridge Times, who professionally left, they caused a scene. However, this should not come as a surprise since those outlets are increasingly reliant on liberal dark money to stay financially viable.
What is not often discussed is how legacy media outlets have increasingly become reliant on liberal leaning dark money.
Here are the outlets that are obviously reliant on liberal dark money:
NC Newsline is an affiliate of the States Newsroom, a liberal dark money project.
The Assembly is similarly funded by shady liberal interests.
Asheville Watchdog is funded by liberal-leaning groups, including some with direct ties to liberal donors like George Soros.
Compromised legacy media outlets:
McClatchy, the owner of the Charlotte Observer, News & Observer, and Durham Sun Herald, announced plans to take grant funding for stories focused on liberal causes.
The Associated Presstook significant funding from a liberal foundation to “report” on causes of vital interest to liberals.
NPR received substantial support from liberal groups after its funding was cut by Republicans.
The internet continues to shape the media landscape, and savvy consumers need to understand that outlets are increasingly shaped by forces behind the scenes.
