Donald Trump is under pressure from his allies and campaign team to reconsider his endorsement of North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, who is currently embroiled in controversy. Despite calls for him to withdraw support following allegations from a CNN report that Robinson made offensive comments on an adult website years ago, there are no intentions to officially retract the endorsement.
The Trump campaign’s statement did not address the allegations directly. Instead, press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the campaign’s focus on broader goals, including winning North Carolina, a crucial state for Trump’s presidential aspirations. While some advisers within the campaign have discreetly suggested Trump should sever ties with Robinson, these recommendations have not been acted upon. Additionally, Republican figures from North Carolina, including Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, plan to privately urge Trump to rethink his endorsement.
The repercussions of Robinson’s past comments could pose challenges for Trump, particularly given North Carolina’s significance as a swing state. In a notable move, Robinson will not attend a planned Trump rally this weekend, marking a departure from his previous attendance at such events.
In the political arena, Democrats are seizing the opportunity presented by Robinson’s scandal. The Democratic National Committee has launched advertisements linking Trump to Robinson’s past remarks, while Harris’ campaign has highlighted Trump’s controversial anti-abortion comments. However, neither campaign has mentioned the specific comments reported by CNN.
In the broader context of the 2024 presidential race, changes over the past two months have prompted a more favorable polling position for Democrats, particularly following Biden’s exit from the race. Upcoming polling data from NBC News is expected to reflect these shifts, showcasing trends that may significantly impact the race moving forward.
Many undecided voters are now leaning toward supporting Kamala Harris, reflecting their concerns regarding Trump. A diverse group of respondents remains skeptical about Trump, which could influence their voting decisions as the election approaches.