In a recent rally in Wilmington, former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, notably refrained from mentioning North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, despite the latter’s endorsement and presence in previous campaign events. Robinson, who is running for governor, did not speak at the rally, signaling a potential distancing from Trump amid the ongoing controversy surrounding his campaign.
Robinson’s gubernatorial campaign has been shaken by a CNN report revealing alleged racist and sexist remarks he made on a pornography site over a decade ago. He has consistently denied these allegations, insisting he will continue his bid for governor. This scandal poses significant challenges for Robinson as he seeks to maintain his appeal to voters in North Carolina, where he has previously enjoyed substantial support within the Republican party.
Trump Skips Mention of Mark Robinson at Rally Amid Controversy Surrounding Gubernatorial Candidate
In light of the accusations, Robinson’s campaign communications director, Mike Lonergan, has attempted to shift the narrative, blaming his opponent, Democratic candidate Josh Stein, for the fallout. Lonergan asserted that Stein and the Democrats were spreading falsehoods about Robinson, framing the controversy as a politically motivated attack. This approach aims to portray Robinson as an outsider aligned with the frustrations of North Carolina voters against established politicians.
During the rally, Trump chose to focus on other Republican figures, such as Senator Ted Budd and Representative Dan Bishop, while omitting any reference to Robinson.
This decision is particularly noteworthy given Trump’s previous praise for Robinson, whom he once described as “Martin Luther King on steroids.” Instead, the Trump campaign issued a vague statement highlighting the significance of North Carolina in securing a second presidential victory, sidestepping the controversy surrounding Robinson altogether.
Robinson has characterized the allegations as “salacious tabloid lies,” asserting that they do not reflect his beliefs. While he has faced criticism for anti-transgender rhetoric in the past, he also reportedly expressed enjoyment of transgender pornography in the alleged posts. As the race for governor intensifies, Robinson’s ability to navigate these challenges and maintain voter support will be crucial in the upcoming election.
