Unique Update: Harris Presidential Campaign Unveils Ad Intended to Connect Trump with Mark Robinson
The Harris campaign's initial advertisement connecting Trump to a lower-tier campaign was disclosed to CNN by the Harris campaign itself.
Entitled "Both Erroneous," the ad, which CNN obtained exclusively, combines Trump's past compliments for Robinson with the gubernatorial candidate's anti-abortion stances, such as expressing support for a statewide ban on abortion that does not include exceptions.
The advertisement starts with Trump's comments lauding Robinson as "an astounding lieutenant governor" and even comparing him to Martin Luther King, while juxtaposing these sentiments with Robinson stating, "For me, there's no compromise on abortion" and "We could approve a bill and say, 'You can't have an abortion in North Carolina for any reason.'"
Part of the Harris-Walz campaign's $370 million in digital and television advertising budget between Labor Day and Election Day, this new ad will debut on TV stations across North Carolina on Friday, airing on various programs like local news, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune.
This development comes as Harris prepares to travel to Georgia on Friday for a speech addressing Trump's role in the impending overturning of Roe v. Wade. Harris' speech is expected to highlight the recent deaths of Georgia mothers Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, who are believed to have perished in 2022 due to inadequate care brought about by the state's abortion restrictions.
"The contrast for voters in this election has never been more apparent: in Georgia, Vice President Harris will passionately argue for reproductive freedom amidst two women's avoidable deaths as a result of the state's Trump-backed abortion ban. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, Donald Trump gleefully advocates for Robinson and his radical views on bodily autonomy," Jen O'Malley Dillon, chairman of the Harris-Walz campaign, told CNN in a statement.
"Trump cannot escape the reality: he aligns himself with Robinson and his radical abortion bans, which threaten women's lives across the nation. If given the opportunity, they will push for a nationwide abortion ban. Our mission between now and Election Day is to ensure that voters remember this," O'Malley Dillon further stated.
The Trump campaign did not comment upon receiving CNN's request for comment regarding the new ad. In response to CNN's report, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated, "President Trump's campaign is focused on securing the White House and saving this country. North Carolina is pivotal to this goal. We are confident that as voters evaluate the Trump record of a robust economy, low inflation, a secure border, and safe streets, they will choose Trump over Biden-Harris."
The Trump campaign has so far remained silent on CNN's report about Robinson's contentious statements. However, sources noted that rumors of a damaging story about Robinson had circulated within Trump's inner circle recently.
Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Saturday. Prior to CNN's story, Trump's campaign had not invited Robinson to the Saturday event, and sources indicated that this decision was likely to hold. Robinson has been a frequent presence at Trump's recent North Carolina events, having spoken at his economic speech in Asheville and been featured with Trump at a rally in Asheboro last month.
Many individuals close to Trump have expressed reservations regarding Robinson and his gubernatorial bid due to his incendiary remarks, including disparaging the civil rights movement and ridiculing school shooting victims. Despite privately hoping for Robinson's withdrawal from the race, Trump publicly endorsed Robinson earlier this year, referring to him as "Martin Luther King on steroids" during the endorsement.
Three senior Trump campaign advisors informed CNN that there have been no attempts to persuade Robinson to renounce his candidacy for governor.
This new advertisement from the Harris-Walz campaign criticizes Trump for aligning with Robinson, who holds radical views on abortion. (politics)In response, the Trump campaign has remained silent on the controversy surrounding Robinson's contentious statements. (politics)
