I try to see the best in people. Roy Cooper makes that really hard

Most people only know the press conference version of Roy Cooper. I've gotten to see the real one.

In all areas of my life, I try to see the best in people. Honestly, our politics needs a whole lot more of that: more grace, and more willingness to believe that even people you disagree with are acting in good faith.

I can disagree with Democrats like Gov. Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Justice Allison Riggs, and NCDP chair Anderson Clayton and still believe they’re in it for the right reasons.

But former Gov. Roy Cooper is different. With him, I just can’t do it.

Oh, I get his appeal. A Nash County native with a moderate brand, he’s spent four decades convincing North Carolinians he’s the calm, steady hand you want in charge.

But I’ve seen too much to believe it’s all about service. The truth is, he’s one of the most politically calculating and accountability-averse leaders North Carolina has had. He’s built a career on avoiding scrutiny and consolidating control — protecting himself, not the people he’s supposed to serve.

Cooper is expected to announce a run for U.S. Senate …