The Harris campaign has launched a new television ad aimed at tying former President Donald Trump to North Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial nominee, Mark Robinson. This move comes in the wake of a KFile report that uncovered inflammatory comments made by Robinson over a decade ago. The ad, titled “Both Wrong,” features Trump praising Robinson juxtaposed with Robinson’s anti-abortion stance, including his support for a statewide abortion ban without exceptions.
The spot is part of the Harris-Walz campaign’s $370 million digital and television advertising reservations between Labor Day and Election Day. It will begin airing on television across North Carolina markets, including during popular programs like local news, “Jeopardy,” and “Wheel of Fortune.” This ad marks the first time the Harris campaign has linked Trump to a down-ballot candidate.
Harris is set to speak in Georgia about Trump’s role in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, highlighting the recent deaths of two Georgia mothers due to a lack of care linked to the state’s abortion restrictions. The campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, emphasized the contrast between Harris advocating for reproductive freedom in Georgia and Trump endorsing Robinson’s extreme views on abortion in North Carolina.
The Trump campaign has not responded to the new ad, but a statement from Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed their focus on winning the White House. Despite rumblings about a potentially damaging story on Robinson, Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, without inviting Robinson. However, Robinson has been present at many of Trump’s recent events in the state.
Various sources close to Trump have expressed concerns about Robinson’s controversial comments in the past, including disparaging the civil rights movement and mocking school shooting victims. Despite private hopes that Robinson would withdraw from the governor’s race, Trump endorsed him earlier this year, referring to Robinson as “Martin Luther King on steroids.”
Three senior Trump campaign advisers confirmed that there have been no efforts to pressure Robinson to step down from the governor’s race. The campaign remains focused on highlighting Trump’s accomplishments, such as a strong economy, low inflation, secure borders, and safe streets, in contrast to what they perceive as failures under the Biden-Harris administration.
As the election draws near, the Harris campaign is intent on reminding voters of the connection between Trump and Robinson and their shared views on abortion. The ad serves as a strategic move to sway voters by associating Robinson’s controversial statements with Trump’s endorsement.
The upcoming rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, will be a pivotal moment in the campaign as Trump continues to rally his supporters ahead of the election. The absence of Robinson from the event underscores the delicate balance between distancing the former president from Robinson’s controversial remarks while still maintaining his endorsement.
Overall, the ad serves as a clear message from the Harris campaign to voters in North Carolina about the implications of electing Robinson as governor. By linking Trump to Robinson, the campaign aims to highlight the stark differences between their views on abortion and women’s rights, urging voters to consider the consequences of their choice on Election Day.