At a recent rally in Charlotte, a reporter faced a hostile crowd after inquiring about North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, who is currently running for governor. Robinson has found himself in hot water following a CNN report that revealed some of his past controversial online remarks, including an alarming self-description as a “Black NAZI.”
WBTV’s Nick Ochsner attempted to ask Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance about Robinson while the crowd began to boo loudly. “I’m trying to ask the question, if you’ll let me ask it,” Ochsner said, seeking to continue with his inquiry.
Vance, recognizing the tension, encouraged Ochsner to go ahead. The reporter pointed out that Robinson had previously shared the stage with both Vance and Donald Trump at other rallies, noting his absence at this event.
“Is there something disqualifying about the comments uncovered by CNN that wasn’t disqualifying about any previous comments made?” Ochsner prompted.
Vance replied, “Look, here’s my view on the lieutenant governor. What he said or didn’t say is ultimately between him and the people of North Carolina. They will make that choice.” He then acknowledged that some remarks attributed to Robinson were indeed troubling, but emphasized that it was up to Robinson to clarify his stance with the voters.
As the conversation shifted, Vance criticized the media for its handling of Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies instead.
Robinson’s controversial comments include derogatory remarks about LGBTQ+ individuals and have sparked significant backlash. His past messages, allegedly made over a decade ago on an adult website, reportedly involve defending slavery and making transphobic remarks while expressing a questionable interest in certain adult content. Despite Robinson’s repeated denials regarding the authenticity of these comments, the fallout has led to resignations among his campaign staff.