Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) is distancing himself from endorsing Republican North Carolina superintendent nominee Michele Morrow, citing her history of inflammatory and extremist rhetoric.
In a statement to WNCN reporter Michael Hyland, Tillis’s spokesperson expressed strong reservations about Morrow’s candidacy, likening her rhetoric to that of “radical fundamentalists” in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia rather than a candidate for office in North Carolina.
Tillis’s stance comes in response to revelations about Morrow’s past statements, including a call for the public execution of former President Barack Obama in 2020.
Morrow’s violent rhetoric extended to President Joe Biden as well, with her expressing opposition to mask-wearing during the pandemic by advocating for the killing of “traitors.”
Moreover, Morrow’s incendiary remarks have not been limited to political figures. She has also expressed wishes for the death of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, known for his advocacy of vaccines.
Despite the backlash over her past statements, Morrow remains unapologetic, reaffirming her belief that Obama was a “treasonous” president.
In a defiant Twitter post, she criticized the media’s coverage of her remarks and emphasized the importance of teaching students “real history and critical thinking skills.”
Tillis’s unequivocal rejection of Morrow underscores the growing concern within the Republican Party over candidates espousing extreme views.
As the political landscape evolves, such incidents serve as a reminder of the challenges facing the GOP in maintaining a coherent and inclusive message.