Summary
Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina, has experienced a significant decline in polling numbers following revelations of controversial statements he allegedly made on an adult website. His remarks, which include self-identifying as a “Black Nazi” and expressing support for reinstating slavery, have led to widespread backlash, including resignations from his campaign staff and distancing from prominent Republican figures.
The fallout from a CNN report detailing Robinson’s past online behavior has severely impacted his campaign. Polls indicate that he is trailing Democratic candidate Josh Stein by double digits, with some surveys showing Stein leading by as much as 17 points. The controversy has not only affected Robinson’s standing within his party but has also raised concerns about potential implications for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in North Carolina, a key battleground state. Despite Robinson’s denials and attempts to dismiss the allegations as “tabloid trash,” the damage appears to be substantial, with many Republicans now hesitant to publicly support him.
Declining Support Among Voters
Robinson’s support among likely voters has plummeted, particularly within his own party. Recent polling suggests that his approval rating among Republicans has dropped from 83% to 63% since the controversy erupted. The fallout has also affected his appeal to broader demographics, with only 27% of female voters expressing support for him.
Impact on the Gubernatorial Race
The scandal has shifted the dynamics of the North Carolina gubernatorial race, which was previously seen as competitive. Stein, the Democratic nominee, has capitalized on the situation, framing Robinson as unfit for office and gaining traction among voters who are concerned about his past comments. The Democratic campaign has employed strategies that tie Robinson’s controversies to Trump, highlighting the former president’s past endorsements and comments about Robinson.
Republican Party Response
The North Carolina Republican Party has faced criticism for its continued support of Robinson despite the revelations. Some GOP leaders have begun to distance themselves from him, and endorsements from prominent figures have been withdrawn. This has created an atmosphere of uncertainty within the party as it navigates the implications of Robinson’s candidacy on its broader electoral strategy in the state.
Trump 'Not Familiar' With Mark Robinson as Candidate Struggles in NC Polls
Oct. 22 / Newsweek / Reports on Robinson's substantial polling decline, underscoring the impact of his controversial remarks. The clear numerical data provides a stark picture of his electoral challenges, enhancing the narrative of his campaign's collapse. “ Former President Donald Trump has reportedly claimed that he is "not familiar" with Republican North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson 's imperiled...
Oct. 4 / New York Post / Analyzes the polling data favoring Stein and the extent of Robinson's decline. The statistical insights offer a stark contrast in voter sentiment, emphasizing the impact of recent scandals on the race. “ Even with a whopping 13% still undecided, North Carolina’s race for governor has swung significantly to favor Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, says a...
Stein tops Robinson by 17 points in North Carolina gubernatorial race: Survey
Oct. 4 / The Hill / Poll results indicate a significant lead for Stein, emphasizing the impact of Robinson's scandals on voter sentiment. The statistical analysis provides a clear picture of the shifting dynamics in the gubernatorial race. “ North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (D) is leading embattled Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) by 17 points in the gubernatorial race, according to a new...
'Virtually abandoned!' Trump aims pre-dawn onslaught at hurricane-hit swing state voters
Oct. 7 / Raw Story / Highlights Trump's alarming rhetoric aimed at North Carolina voters during a crisis, showcasing his strategy to deflect attention from Robinson's controversies. Offers insight into the political landscape's volatility. “ Former President Donald Trump slammed a key swing state ravaged by Hurricane Helene with a series of pre-dawn claims about Vice President Kamala Harris and...
"The bad guys won in WWII": Minnesota candidate is latest GOP member to espouse pro-Nazi view
Oct. 5 / Salon / The article discusses the growing concerns about Robinson's past remarks while linking them to broader GOP challenges. It provides a compelling narrative on how his controversies could influence party dynamics. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email The Republicans can't help but hand it to Hitler lately. Royce White, a former NBA player and present-day...
New Harris vs. Trump poll shows toss-up in this critical swing state
Oct. 3 / Nj / Delivers a succinct analysis of the presidential race in North Carolina, juxtaposing it with Stein's lead over Robinson. The polling details are well-presented, emphasizing the broader implications for both races. “ Can Vice President Harris flip the swing state of North Carolina blue? A new poll from High Point University found that the race is still too close to call...
Swing state Dems ramping up ground game for final election push: 'Folks are responding'
Oct. 2 / Fox News / Emphasizes the Democratic Party's strategic grassroots efforts in North Carolina, providing insight into their campaign mechanics. This focus on local engagement contrasts sharply with the turmoil in Robinson's camp. “ The North Carolina Democratic Party told Fox News Digital that they are taking a community-based approach to their 2024 election ground game efforts....
North Carolina's MAGA candidate blew off voting for hurricane emergency declaration
Oct. 2 / Raw Story / Highlights Robinson's inaction during a state emergency, contrasting his campaign rhetoric with his responsibilities. This piece effectively underscores the disconnect between his public persona and actions. “ MAGA North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson reportedly blew off an emergency declaration vote for his state as Hurricane Helene barreled toward...
'Ladies' from a secretive church aid Trump
Oct. 1 / Buffalonews / Presents a detailed account of Robinson's inflammatory remarks, emphasizing the scandal's depth. The thoroughness of the investigation into his past adds weight to the ongoing narrative of his campaign's struggles. “ Former President Donald Trump has gruesome rhetorical staples he likes to deploy at his political rallies, including homicidal sharks, bird-killing windmills...
Scandal-plagued Mark Robinson isn’t taking Trump down with him in North Carolina: poll
Sep. 30 / New York Post / Polling results reveal the potential for voters to split their tickets, illustrating a nuanced view of electoral behavior. The analysis offers a refreshing perspective on how local issues impact national races. “ New polling from the Tar Heel State indicates the GOP presidential nominee may not be sunk by a gubernatorial candidate’s personal problems. The East...
These are the battlegrounds where state legislative control is up for grabs
Sep. 28 / Nbc News / The piece captures the tumultuous political landscape, detailing Trump's distancing from Robinson. It effectively portrays how the GOP navigates the fallout, providing insight into party strategies during crises. “ Partisan control of at least eight legislative chambers across the country is up for grabs this November, battles that will go a long way in determining the...
Fox News Poll: Harris, Trump in close race in North Carolina
Sep. 27 / Fox News / Covers the impact of Robinson's scandal on the gubernatorial race, revealing how it has shifted the political landscape. The article effectively ties his controversies to broader electoral trends in North Carolina. “ North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Jason Simmons shared how the GOP is getting out the vote in the battleground state this cycle. Vice President Harris...
As Mark Robinson’s Campaign Crumbles, North Carolina Republicans Seethe - The New York Times
Sep. 27 / Google News / Examines the implications of Robinson's scandal for the GOP, reflecting on the party's reluctance to distance itself from him. This perspective is crucial for understanding the broader electoral strategy in North Carolina. “ As Mark Robinson’s Campaign Crumbles, North Carolina Republicans Seethe The New York TimesDonald Trump says 'I don't know the situation' on Mark Robinson's...
Trump ahead of Harris 1 point in Georgia and Arizona, tied in North Carolina: poll
Sep. 26 / New York Post / Presents polling data that shows the tight race between Trump and Harris while highlighting Stein's significant lead over Robinson. The statistical analysis is insightful, capturing the electoral landscape effectively. “ Former President Donald Trump is ahead of Vice President Kamala by one percentage point in the battleground states of Georgia and Arizona and all tied up in...
Mark Robinson's Wife Responds To Porn Website Scandal: 'Wonderful Husband'
Sep. 27 / Newsweek / Robinson's wife's defense offers a personal perspective amidst the turmoil, contrasting with the scandal's gravity. While heartfelt, it lacks engagement with the broader implications of her husband's actions. “ Mark Robinson's wife has stood by her husband during left on a pornography site. CNN broke news on September 19 that Robinson, the North Carolina...