The Harris team spotlights Trump's prior applause for Mark Robinson as a disruptive CNN report stirs up contest-crucial North Carolina.
Kamala Harris' political team brought up Donald Trump's praise for Robinsion, following a Thursday CNN report revealing Robinson's questionable comments on an adult website's discussion board. These controversial remarks, which date back more than a decade, featured Robinson referring to himself as a "black NAZI" and expressing support for reinstating slavery. Robinson denies having made these statements.
The revelations sent shockwaves through the 2024 presidential race, as North Carolina is a prime target for both Trump and Harris. The deadline for candidates to withdraw under state law is 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday, and Friday marks the distribution of the state's initial absentee ballots.
The Harris campaign responded to the report by sharing pictures on social media showing Trump and Robinson together, even posing for a thumbs-up. Another post included a video of Trump praising Robinson, calling him a "great leader in our country" and labeling him "better than Martin Luther King."
Trump's campaign remained silent on the issue, neither addressing the report directly nor stating whether they wish for Robinson to abandon his gubernatorial run.
"Trump's campaign is centered on reclaiming the White House and saving the nation. North Carolina is a crucial piece of this strategy. We are certain that when voters assess the economic strength, low inflation, secure borders, and safe streets under Trump, compared to the failures of Biden-Harris, Trump will triumph in North Carolina once more. We won't lose sight of our objective," Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told CNN.
At a Greensboro, North Carolina rally in March, Trump extolled Robinson, calling him "Martin Luther King on steroids."
The NAACP demanded Robinson's withdrawal, stating on social media: "The NAACP is nonpartisan, but we don't neglect reality. And we speak against what's wrong. Mark Robinson: step down."
North Carolina Democrats capitalize on report
Robinson is currently engaging in a fierce race against Democratic candidate Josh Stein to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Roy Cooper.
Stein, the state's attorney general, has been consistently outperforming Robinson in recent polls. His campaign released a statement on Thursday: "North Carolinians are already aware that Mark Robinson is unqualified to be Governor. Stein remains focused on winning the election, so that together, we may create a safer, stronger North Carolina for everyone."
The Democratic Governors Association swooped in on the CNN report, with spokeswoman Izzi Levy labeling it the "latest evidence that Robinson is unhinged, dangerous, and completely unsuitable for the governorship."
"As Republicans warn about the havoc Robinson would wreak as governor, it's becoming increasingly evident that the stakes have never been higher. To maintain our momentum and defeat Robinson in November, it's crucial that we keep driving forward," Levy concluded.
The Republican Governors Association did not respond to a request for comment on the report and if Robinson should withdraw from the race.
Capitol Hill Republicans react
North Carolina Representative Richard Hudson, who heads the GOP campaign committee, claimed that the accusations were "extremely troubling." However, he refrained from asking Robinson to step down.
"I hope that the lieutenant governor can reassure North Carolina residents that the allegations are unfounded," Hudson stated.
Another North Carolina Republican, Representative Greg Murphy, who is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, voiced concern but questioned the report's authenticity.
"What I read was disconcerting, but given the level of electronic tampering that can occur today with AI and other technologies, who can say what is legitimate and what is not?" he mused.
South Carolina Representative Ralph Norman, also a Freedom Caucus member, labeled the report "disappointing."
"Given what has transpired and the individuals who supported him, along with the funds he's raised, Robinson should leave the race immediately, so a new candidate may emerge," Norman stated.
Norman also suggested that Robinson should have been aware that any past digital discussions could eventually become public knowledge.
"It appears that he's evolved – admittedly, a significant portion of this took place in the past – but in politics, they will reveal everything, as they should," Norman concluded.
Lastly, Georiga Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that she desired to review the allegations, but "if this turns out to be true, that would certainly be something I couldn't back."
CNN reports by Alayna Treene, Aaron Pellish, Dianne Gallagher, Annie Grayer, Morgan Rimmer, Kate Sullivan, and Omar Jimenez contributed to this article.
The scandal surrounding Robinson's questionable comments on an adult website's discussion board, which include him referring to himself as a "black NAZI" and expressing support for reinstating slavery, has sparked intense debate in the realm of politics. The Harris campaign's decision to highlight Trump's praise for Robinson and their shared past photos and videos has added fuel to this political fire.
