In this effort Kamala Harris to win North Carolina, mark robinsonThe Republican candidate for governor has unexpectedly taken center stage. While Harris is the center of discussion with volunteers and voters, Robinson is being painted negatively, with Democrats broadcasting signs and billboards in major cities decrying what they describe as his ‘extremism.’ Harris has also launched a television ad campaign that is garnering attention Donald TrumpThe History of Robinson’s Praise.
No Democrat has won the state at the presidential level since Barack Obama’s victory in 2008, but North Carolina is proving to be highly competitive once again, with Trump winning it by a slim margin of 1.3 percentage points four years ago. Democrats believe Robinson’s controversial past could give Harris a needed advantage.
A Harris win in North Carolina would significantly complicate Trump’s path to the presidency, a fact he acknowledged during a campaign stop, saying winning in North Carolina was crucial to his overall victory. However, at a recent event, Trump conspicuously avoided mentioning Robinson, despite previously having enthusiastically supported her. Meanwhile, Democrats are attempting to link Trump to Robinson’s controversies, especially after explicit posts involving Robinson surfaced, leading some Republican officials and Republican Governors Association To distance myself from him.
Although Trump has not withdrawn his endorsement, Robinson’s name has been notably absent from recent Republican events. For example, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley ignored Robinson when listing prominent state officials, even as audience members shouted Robinson’s name. Similarly, both Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance have recently avoided mentioning Robinson, although Vance acknowledged the controversy when asked by reporters.
Republican insiders are concerned about the impact of the Robinson scandal, fearing it could affect not only the governor’s race but also down-ballot candidates in Congress and the state legislature. Democrats, on the other hand, are cautious about whether the Robinson scandal alone will be enough to swing North Carolina’s 16 electoral votes in their favor. There is a sense that Georgia may present a better opportunity for Harris, though North Carolina’s diverse and changing demographics, which include suburban, college-educated, Hispanic and African American voters, offer hope.
The Harris campaign is focusing on Robinson’s troubles in an effort to gain an edge, aiming to persuade some Trump supporters to stay away from voting and hoping to win over some voters who supported Nikki Haley in the state’s March primary. Campaign strategist Dan Kanninen described the race in North Carolina as a “dead-heat tossup”, noting that the increased attention on Robinson could impact voters’ perceptions.
Despite concerns about Robinson, there remains strong enthusiasm for Trump among Republicans, who are eager to separate the two. For example, Republican school board candidate Greg Mills expressed continued support for Robinson, though he acknowledged that the allegations against him are troubling if true. Meanwhile, other Republican voters, such as Cathy Goodman, insisted that Trump should not be judged based on Robinson’s actions.
However, Democrats have a strong grassroots campaign, with 27 offices across the state and more than 250 paid staffers, as well as more than 26,000 volunteers who joined after Harris took over for President Biden. In contrast, the Trump campaign has largely delegated voter outreach to outside groups, focusing more on monitoring “voter integrity” once voting begins.
Who is Robinson?
Robinson’s forum posts also revealed a contradictory interest in transgender pornography, despite his recent anti-transgender rhetoric. This aspect of his past is in stark contrast to his current public stance, which includes vitriolic condemnations of transgender people. Transgender rights,
Policy Position: Robinson’s staunchly conservative policy positions are a key part of his political identity. His stance on abortion is particularly notable. In the 1980s, he admitted to paying for his girlfriend’s abortion, yet he has since become one of the most outspoken anti-abortion advocates. He describes abortion as “genocide” and “murder” and supports strict abortion laws in North Carolina. In 2023, Robinson announced that if he had legislative power, he would support a bill banning abortion without exceptions. Most recently, he indicated his desire to maintain North Carolina’s 12-week abortion ban, which includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the mother’s health, but he aims for more restrictive measures, such as a six-week or even a complete ban.
Robinson has been equally controversial when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues. He consistently argues against transgender rights and gay marriage, and insists that gender is strictly binary. He has also expressed disdain for transgender women using women’s restrooms, even suggesting they should be arrested for doing so.
Robinson’s views on economic and education policies similarly reflect a deeply conservative ideology. He opposes the teaching of critical race theory in schools, arguing that it promotes division. His stances align with broader Republican opposition to what he describes as “woke ideology”, though critics argue that these positions attempt to suppress discussions of systemic racism and history.
Why Trump needs them: Trump’s endorsement of Robinson highlights the former president’s efforts to consolidate his influence in key battleground states. North Carolina is crucial to Trump’s 2024 strategy, and having a candidate like Robinson who can energize the conservative base is essential to maintaining momentum. Robinson’s outspoken style, controversial views and devotion to conservative values make him a valuable ally for Trump in garnering support among voters who feel alienated or threatened by progressive policies.
Robinson’s ability to motivate far-right voters makes him an asset to Trump’s political agenda. His mix of inflammatory rhetoric and staunchly conservative policies appeals to a segment of the electorate that’s crucial to Republicans, especially in swing states like North Carolina.
With inputs from agencies
