Republicans in North Carolina are trying to distance themselves from Mark Robinson, their nominee for governor, after CNN reported on some troubling messages he allegedly posted on a pornography website more than a decade ago. The messages included racist, antisemitic, and profane content, which Mr. Robinson claims were fabricated using artificial intelligence.
His fellow Republicans are urging him to take legal action if he believes the allegations are false. Senator Tillis emphasized the need for immediate legal action, while Senator Graham emphasized the importance of hiring a legal team to clear his name. Senator Cotton also called on Mr. Robinson to provide more answers to the people of North Carolina about the allegations.
Mr. Robinson has denied the allegations, calling them “tabloid trash” generated by artificial intelligence. He claims that significant funds have been spent on creating falsehoods about him through AI, although he did not provide specific examples or proof of such claims.
Despite the controversy, Senator Vance did not push for a lawsuit against CNN, stating that it is ultimately up to the public to decide Mr. Robinson’s trustworthiness. He believes that the public opinion will play a crucial role in determining Mr. Robinson’s future in the race for governor.
Interestingly, Mr. Robinson, who used to appear alongside President Trump at rallies, has not been seen with the former president recently. Reports suggest that Trump’s campaign team has prevented Mr. Robinson from appearing at rallies with the former president, indicating a shift in their relationship.
As the allegations and denials continue to swirl around Mr. Robinson, the future of his candidacy for governor of North Carolina remains uncertain. The calls for legal action, the demands for more clarity, and the public opinion will all play a significant role in determining his political future.