A ‘Boring’ Democrat the Party Wants to Emulate

This edition of The Atlantic Daily covers the race for U.S. Senate in North Carolina. Former Governor Roy Cooper, who previously served two terms, is seen as the Democratic hopeful to make the race competitive. North Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008, so the race has drawn less attention than other contests.

Cooper's campaign has been described as "boring" by national press, but this complimetary label is considered accurate by his strategist Morgan Jackson. Cooper is seen as a "workhorse" rather than a "show horse" and has built a steady relationship with voters over two decades.

Cooper entered elected office in 2001, during the Bill Clinton presidency, and only ran for office in 2016, winning narrowly against Republican Governor Pat McCrory. His long tenure and cautious approach have made it difficult for Republicans to define him.

Cooper's strategy includes waging a long-term war against Republicans controlling the legislature over Medicaid expansion, using vetoes more than any past governor, and turning away conservative media outlets from events. Despite these tactics, some conservatives feel Cooper is getting a free pass from the press. Cooper's longevity and affability may not be easily replicable by other Democrats, but his success in a purple state has drawn attention during a time of drama in other races.