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Professor McCorkle on the New NC Government, The Chronicle

Professor McCorkle on the New NC Government, The Chronicle Professor McCorkle has been quoted in The Chronicle on the newly-elected NC state government. He discussed the possibility of Republicans in the House overriding a veto and major policy implications from GOP wins in the legislature. These include a potential “Parent’s Bill of Right’s,” anti-critical race theory legislation, private school voucher programs, gerrymandering and medicaid expansion. McCorkle argues that abortion will be the “biggest test for the Republicans” as restrictions are “more than a distinct possibility.” However, disagreements within the Republican party may arise from those who would want a total... Continue reading→

Faculty Press Briefing on 2022 Midterm Election

Duke Faculty Press Briefing on 2022 Midterm Elections Following the 2022 Midterm Elections, Duke faculty spoke at a press briefing open to media and the public at the Sanford School of Public Policy. Panelists included Kerry Haynie, professor of political science at Trinity College of Arts and Sciences; Asher Hildebrand, associate professor of the practice in the Sanford School of Public Policy; Adriane Lentz-Smith, professor in the department of history; and Pope “Mac” McCorkle, professor of the practice in the Sanford School of Public Policy. They discussed the lack of a true “red wave,” concerns over democracy, the role of... Continue reading→

Professor McCorkle on “Countrypolitan” Counties and the NC Senate Race, The New York Times

Professor McCorkle has been quoted in The New York Times on the North Carolina Senate race along with his and Rachel Salzberg’s (MPP ’20) paper “The Democrats’ Countrypolitan Problem in North Carolina: Progressive Challenge and Opportunity.” In the report, Professor McCorkle and Salzberg describe “countrypolitan” counties as the biggest challenge for North Carolina Democrats to turn the state blue. They describe “countrypolitan” counties as those with geographic and economic proximity to bigger metropolitan areas but still “retain significant rural and/or small-town legacies.” These counties have prevented metropolitan areas from becoming as diverse and politically fluid as the suburbs of Atlanta... Continue reading→

Polis Steering Committee Members and Faculty Discuss the Dobbs v. Jackson Ruling on Midterm Elections

Professor Kerry Haynie, Professor Asher Hildebrand and Professor Mac McCorkle discuss the significance of the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling on the upcoming North Carolina midterm elections. “That [abortion] decision … throws things up in the air...We don’t yet know what will happen. I suspect it will be an advantage for Democratic candidates in this state and across the country. I suspect there are some Republican women and independent women who otherwise would be attracted to Republican candidates who may shift and vote for Democratic candidates.” - Professor Kerry Haynie “The election was shaping up to be a referendum on an... Continue reading→

Professor Rose on Title IX’s Legacy, The New York Times

The New York Times recently reflected on Title IX’s 50 year legacy. Title IX was signed in 1972 and prohibits discrimination based on sex in federally funded schools and education programs. It has outlasted The Equal Rights Amendment and Roe v. Wade in protecting women’s rights. Professor Deondra Rose argues that Title IX’s advantage was that it was vague, giving “the regulation a fighting chance over time.” This vagueness has allowed different administrations to evolve the provision to become more inclusive. For instance, The Education Department announced in 2021 that it would extend Title IX protections to transgender students. However,... Continue reading→