Will Cooper’s COVID response help him survive November?
Current NC Democratic Governor Roy Cooper (left) and challenger Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest (right). Source.
The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the competency of leaders in the U.S. in a big way ahead of the November elections. In North Carolina, the gubernatorial election will likely be a referendum on Governor Roy Cooper’s (D) effectiveness in handling the pandemic.
Cooper has taken measures to flatten the curve and ensure health and safety. One of his most notable policies eliminated the need for a doctor’s order to be tested for COVID in order to encourage testing in minority communities. This has been critical considering the disparity in health care access within minority communities that has been exposed through the pandemic. In addition, Cooper established a three-phase plan for reopening businesses and allowing larger gatherings after widespread shutdowns in March. However, North Carolina has remained in Phase Two since May 22 and Cooper has delayed the progression to the next phase on three occasions, the latest being until September 11. Phase Two allows restaurants, pools and salons to be open but only at 50% capacity. These businesses are already struggling with reduced customers, but at least they have the opportunity to be open to the public, whereas bars and gyms have not been as fortunate. Many North Carolinians, including business owners, have called for a progression to Phase Three and permission to reopen, especially gyms, yet Cooper has continued to restrict the state to Phase Two.
Government leaders across the U.S. have had to make controversial decisions during this pandemic, and Cooper has had his fair share. In March, Cooper capped mass gatherings at 100 people. In early May, indoor worship services of more than 10 people were deemed illegal; in compliance with the order many churches opted to stream services or transition outside, however, some churches contested the order and filed a lawsuit claiming the closing of churches violated the First Amendment. Later, U.S. District Judge James Dever ruled in favor of the churches and allowed indoor services citing there is “no pandemic exception to the First Amendment”. In his opinion, Judge Dever expressed frustration with the fact that people were allowed to work indoors but could not attend church.
Cooper’s most controversial decisions resulted from the Black Lives Matter protests and rural racetrack called ACE Speedway. In June, the speedway decided to open regardless of the Governor’s orders because they claimed to be hurting financially by being closed. The owners decided it would be fine to open considering it is an outside venue and Cooper had allowed Black Lives Matter protests, which violated the 25 outdoor gathering limit. However, Cooper did not approve of the opening and called the event “reckless”, although Alamance County officials contacted Cooper’s office and claimed Cooper never provided guidance and therefore did not know how to handle the situation. To avoid closing, ACE Speedway claimed to be protesting, since the Governor’s orders exempted all protests. Although creative, Cooper would not allow it. Much criticism ensued as many were angered that Cooper could allow the BLM protests to occur without any hesitation, but would not allow outdoor events, regardless if they claimed to be protesting. The question was then raised, is the Governor allowed to deem what is a protest and what is not? The protests have received exemptions that other groups and businesses have not, which some view as unfair. Cooper himself participated in the BLM protests, which generated questions about Cooper's partiality. It has not helped that Cooper stated people are more important than property when some businesses were negatively affected due to the protests while also enduring economic hardship as result of the pandemic. It is apparent Cooper could have made his orders clearer, but he did not and many North Carolinians took note.
Cooper’s inconsistency has brought criticism from his opponent, Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest (R). Forest has capitalized on Cooper’s indecisiveness and has led the campaign to open the state. Forest has publicly criticized Cooper and sued him because he believes Cooper has exceeded his power and is being too slow in regards to opening. Forest claims Cooper wants complete control and needs to take responsibility for the economic hardship that has resulted from the state not opening. Forest even donated money to the legal fund for ACE Speedway to show his disapproval of Cooper’s policies. Cooper’s campaign, in retaliation, has released ads deeming Forest “too risky” for North Carolina, citing Forest’s claims that “masks do not work” as risky and unsafe.
Cooper has made efforts to safely open North Carolina, but has moved slower in reopening than other states around the country. Currently, he has an approval rating of 59%, with 34% of poll respondents disapproving of his pandemic response. The longer North Carolina stays closed, the harder it will be for Cooper in November’s election.