Rob Christensen, News & Observer (Raleigh, NC), Chief Political Reporter & Columnist
Topic: A preview of this week’s kick-off of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, as well as well as a look at national and North Carolina politics.
Susan Roberts, Davidson College Political Science Professor
Topic: The political dynamic in North Carolina heading in to the November elections. The state is considered a battleground this year. In 2008, Pres. Obama won the state by 14,000 votes -- the first Democrat to win there since Jimmy Carter in 1976.
Ryan Butler, LGBT Democrats of North Carolina President, and Democratic National Convention North Carolina Delegate
Topic: Gay and lesbian issues in the 2012 election. This year, North Carolina voters approved by 61% a prohibition on gay marriage in the state constitution. Gay marriage initiatives will appear on the ballot in four states this November: Minnesota, Maine, Maryland and Washington State.