Anatomy of a Purple State

“Analysis of the curious politics of North Carolina, a definitively purple state . . . . A useful handbook for students of political trends throughout the U.S. in a turbulent election year.”—Kirkus Reviews

“[Cooper’s] book achieves the promise of its title; it is a brisk read, yet a well-researched rundown of how North Carolina found its way into its purple status . . . . Along the way, Cooper introduces us to some true characters and shenanigans from the Old North State’s political history, as he details three trends roiling the state’s politics today — nationalization, competition and polarization.”—The Fayetteville Observer

“Chris Cooper rarely struggles to answer an interview question. From the state’s first constitution to last week’s voter registration numbers, North Carolina’s resident political pundit is always prepared to discuss anything. But he felt like his answers to one question—what book would he recommend for a rundown on North Carolina politics?—were a bit outdated. So he wrote that book.”—INDY Week

“Read Anatomy of a Purple State and you will know more about North Carolina politics than your neighbors.”—D.G. Martin, Chapelboro

“Based on years of conversations, research, writing and reflection, as well as Cooper’s passion for helping more people understand NC politics and the role they can play in shaping it.”—NC Local News Workshop

“Cooper deftly explains how North Carolina grew from a one-party state of the Old South into the purple state we have today. As a primer on North Carolina state politics, this is as good as it gets.”—Jim Morrill, former political reporter for the Charlotte Observer

“Chris Cooper has written an articulate, thoughtful book that describes and elucidates modern North Carolina politics, the politics of 'purple' states more broadly, and, in some respects, US politics as a whole.”—Irwin Morris, North Carolina State University