Republican North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson finds himself embroiled in controversy after explosive allegations have surfaced. Initially, Robinson was accused of posting disturbing comments on an adult website, but a new accusation has escalated the scandal: Robinson allegedly praised Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf, calling it an “eye-opener.”
These revelations, first reported by CNN, threaten to derail Robinson’s political ambitions, particularly as the race for governor intensifies. With the North Carolina elections fast approaching, these accusations are raising questions about whether Robinson’s campaign can survive.
Robinson’s Alleged Posts: The Adult Website Scandal
The initial controversy stemmed from Robinson’s alleged activity on the Nude Africa adult website, where between 2008 and 2012, he allegedly posted under the username “minisoldr.” CNN reported that this user engaged in highly controversial conversations, making racist, homophobic, and misogynistic remarks. Some of the most disturbing posts allegedly saw Robinson referring to himself as a “Black Nazi” and even defending slavery.
Despite extensive evidence linking Robinson to these posts, he has denied any involvement. Robinson has dismissed the allegations as “tabloid trash” and has refused to step down from his campaign.
The lieutenant governor’s communications team has also come out swinging. In a statement, they blamed the scandal on his opponent, Democratic candidate Josh Stein, claiming that the accusations were politically motivated. Stein, the current Attorney General of North Carolina, has made no official comment about the allegations.
Praising Hitler: The Latest Bombshell
While the original scandal regarding Robinson’s involvement in the adult website was shocking enough, a new accusation has now surfaced. According to a report by The Washington Post, the same username “minisoldr” allegedly praised Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf, describing it as “a good read.” The post allegedly stated that the manifesto “was not what I thought it would be” and called it a “real eye-opener.”
This latest revelation has prompted a further wave of criticism, not only from Democrats but also from within the Republican Party. Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a vocal critic of Donald Trump, described the allegations as “devastating from a campaign perspective”. Kinzinger warned that Robinson’s continued involvement in the race could damage Republican prospects in North Carolina.
Impact on Trump and the GOP
The scandal is not only a problem for Mark Robinson but also poses a significant threat to Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. Robinson has been endorsed by Trump and is seen as one of the more prominent figures aligned with the former president’s political platform.
With North Carolina considered a crucial swing state in the 2024 election, any damage to Robinson’s credibility could have ripple effects on Trump’s chances of securing victory in the state. Political analysts have pointed out that Republican support for Trump has been slipping, with Democrats gaining momentum as a result of these controversies.
Polls indicate that Trump’s lead in North Carolina is precariously slim, with recent data from FiveThirtyEight showing that Trump leads Vice President Kamala Harris by just 0.2 percent. Any further erosion of support could be disastrous for Trump, especially if voters in North Carolina are disillusioned by Robinson’s scandal.
Responses and Deflection
Despite the growing backlash, Robinson’s team has not backed down. In a fiery response to the latest allegations, Robinson’s communications director Mike Lonergan directly blamed Josh Stein and the Democratic Party, calling their attacks “outright lies.” Lonergan’s statement went on to claim that the people of North Carolina were “fed up” with career politicians and that they would elect Robinson as governor.
However, the scandal appears to have shaken confidence in the Robinson campaign. Within hours of CNN’s report being published, all the posts allegedly linked to Robinson were mysteriously deleted from the Nude Africa website. The deletion of these posts has further fueled suspicion, with critics accusing Robinson’s team of trying to cover up the scandal.
The Fallout: Could This Cost Republicans the Election?
The timing of this scandal couldn’t be worse for Republicans. The 2024 North Carolina gubernatorial election is seen as one of the most important races in the state, with the outcome potentially influencing national politics. Democrats have historically performed well in North Carolina’s gubernatorial elections, having won seven of the last eight contests.
With the scandal dominating headlines, there are growing concerns within the Republican Party that Robinson’s troubles could harm their chances of winning the Governor’s Mansion. Several prominent Republicans have privately expressed concerns that the scandal may dissuade voters from supporting Robinson and even Trump.
Furthermore, Democrats have been ramping up efforts to increase voter turnout, especially among young and minority voters. David McLennan, a political science professor at Meredith College, has noted that Kamala Harris‘ entry into the race has energised Democratic voters in North Carolina, leading to an increase in registered Democrats. McLennan pointed out that this shift could prove critical, especially as Republicans were previously outpacing Democrats in voter registration.
What Happens Next?
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Robinson will be able to weather the storm. While he has refused to drop out of the race, the pressure on his campaign is mounting. With the North Carolina gubernatorial election only months away, Robinson faces an uphill battle to rebuild his reputation and regain the trust of voters.
The broader implications for the Republican Party are also significant. With North Carolina seen as a pivotal state in the 2024 presidential election, the outcome of this scandal could have far-reaching consequences. For Donald Trump, who has staked his endorsement on Robinson, the fallout from this controversy could impact his chances of winning in North Carolina.
As we look ahead to November 5, one thing is clear: the Robinson scandal has become a major talking point in both the gubernatorial and presidential elections. How voters respond will ultimately determine the future of North Carolina politics.
