Abstract:
Duke historians John Hope Franklin and Lawrence Goodwyn talk about the impact and results of the Harvey Gantt vs. Jesse Helms senate race. Many white voters crossed the “racial rubicon” voting for the first time in the close election between a black man and a white man. Helms ultimately defeated Gantt, by Franklin and Goodwyn see the voting results as hope for the future where issues are important and race is not a factor. They applaud Gantt for helping North Carolina move forward in its thinking.