3 months ago
13
Kamala Harris' campaign is taking advantage of the scandal surrounding
North Carolina
gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson as an opportunity to make inroads with Black and suburban voters.
With Robinson facing backlash for controversial comments, including those made on a pornographic website, Harris' advisers see an opportunity to shift voter sentiment.
According to Politico the campaign's strategy, as outlined in a memo by senior advisers Scott Falmlen and LT McCrimmon, revolves around targeting moderate Republicans, suburban voters in Charlotte and Raleigh, and Black voters in this critical swing state.
The campaign aims to remind voters of
Trump
and Robinson's long-standing relationship, and utilise footage of their appearances together.
“Trump made Mark Robinson, and he will have to answer for him,” the advisers said.
Harris' team is focusing on Robinson's controversial positions, particularly his remarks on
abortion
, which they believe will alienate voters.
The memo pointed out that while Trump has attempted to present himself as a moderate on abortion, Harris’ team is capitalizing on his recent declaration that he will oppose a Florida ballot measure aimed at expanding access to the procedure.
Meanwhile, Robinson's controversial statement that women seek abortions "because you weren’t responsible enough to keep your skirt down" further highlights his extreme views, which the campaign believes will resonate negatively with voters.
To kick off this strategy, Harris’ team launched a new ad featuring Robinson’s inflammatory comments, juxtaposed with clips of Trump praising him.
North Carolina, which hasn’t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since Barack Obama in 2008, is seen as a key battleground for Harris. Trump narrowly won the state in 2020, but Harris’ campaign views it as their 'top pickup opportunity' in the upcoming election.
Although Trump has not withdrawn his endorsement of Robinson, he has distanced himself from the controversial candidate, who will not be attending Trump’s rally in Wilmington, North Carolina.
