Graham calls allegations against Robinson ‘beyond unnerving’
Robinson denies inflammatory remarks; scandal shakes North Carolina governor race
Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed shock on Sunday regarding the “beyond unnerving” allegations against North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson. The South Carolina senator stated on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that if the accusations are true, Robinson is unfit for office. However, if they are false, Robinson has grounds for a significant libel lawsuit.
Robinson, North Carolina’s first black lieutenant governor, denied a CNN report claiming he posted inflammatory sexual and racially charged comments on the message board of the porn site Nude Africa between 2008 and 2012. The accusations included Robinson referring to himself as a “Black Nazi,” expressing a desire to bring back slavery, and admitting to voyeuristic behaviour in a gym during his teenage years. Robinson dismissed the report as “salacious tabloid trash” and assured that the words attributed to him were not his, pledging to continue his campaign.
Prominent Republicans have mostly echoed Graham’s sentiments, viewing the allegations as mere accusations. Graham added that Robinson needs to provide a credible defence, noting that the accusations could severely impact his campaign if not addressed adequately. Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance commented that he neither fully believes nor disbelieves Robinson, suggesting that these matters often need to be resolved in the court of public opinion.
"He deserves a chance to defend himself … if they're not true, he has the best lawsuit in the history of the country for libel … I don't think this hurts Trump" — Lindsey Graham won't yet disavow Mark Robinson pic.twitter.com/udSQ3CW2PM
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 22, 2024
The scandal has significantly affected the political landscape in North Carolina, where Robinson has been lagging in the governor’s race. North Carolina is considered a crucial battleground state in presidential elections, having last supported a Democrat in 2008. Former President Donald Trump holds a slim lead of about 0.1 percentage points against Vice President Kamala Harris in recent polls. Robinson trails North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein by 9.4 points, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average.
Stein has questioned Robinson’s denial, pointing out that the alleged posts align with Robinson’s public Facebook statements. Stein declared Robinson unfit for the governorship and suggested that Robinson’s political existence hinges on support from Donald Trump.
Lindsey Graham shocked by 'beyond unnerving' racism, sexism allegations against NC pol Mark Robinson pic.twitter.com/HdnKa8evON
— Simo saadi🇲🇦🇵🇸🇺🇸 (@Simo7809957085) September 23, 2024
Current North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is term-limited, which had initially boosted Republican hopes of flipping the governor’s office. The scandal surrounding Robinson has been welcomed by Democrats, with Sen. John Fetterman calling Robinson the ideal candidate for Democrats to run against.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News reports that Sen. Lindsey Graham believes embattled GOP candidate Mark Robinson should defend himself against scandalous posts, emphasizing the need for accountability in North Carolina politics. (Read more)
- NYPost reports Sen. Lindsey Graham expressing shock over “beyond unnerving” racism and sexism allegations against North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What are the accusations against Mark Robinson?
Robinson is accused of making incendiary sexual and racially charged posts on a porn site message board between 2008 and 2012.
How did Mark Robinson respond to the accusations?
Robinson denied the accusations, calling them ‘salacious tabloid trash’ and stated they are not his words.
What did Lindsey Graham say about the accusations against Mark Robinson?
Graham said if the accusations are true, Robinson is unfit for office; if false, Robinson has a strong libel case.
What is the current political impact of the accusations on Mark Robinson’s campaign?
The accusations have significantly impacted Robinson’s campaign, with him trailing his opponent Josh Stein by 9.4 points.
How are other Republicans reacting to the Mark Robinson scandal?
Many Republicans echo Graham’s sentiment, urging Robinson to credibly defend himself, while some prefer to let public opinion play out.
