Who Exactly is Mark Robinson? How This NC Republican Could Make Kamala Harris President

Mark Robinson's journey from poverty to becoming North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor is a complex and controversial tale that reflects the polarized nature of American politics today.

Early Life and Ancestry

Robinson's family has deep roots in North Carolina, where he was born on August 18, 1968, in Greensboro, as the ninth of ten children in a poor family.

His childhood was marked by significant hardships:

• His father was an alcoholic who routinely abused his mother.
• After his father's death when Robinson was in fifth grade, he and his siblings spent time in foster care.
• His mother, who had only a fifth-grade education, worked as a custodian to support the family after reuniting with her children.

Education and Early Career

Robinson's early life was characterized by struggle and perseverance:

• He graduated from Grimsley High School in 1986.
• Served in the US Army Reserve as a medical specialist.
• Attended North Carolina A&T State University but did not initially graduate.
• Worked in various industries, including furniture manufacturing.
• Lost two manufacturing jobs due to NAFTA.
• Later managed a daycare center with his wife, Yolanda.
• Completed his bachelor's degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in December 20221.

Political Ascendancy

Robinson's rapid rise in politics began with a viral moment:

• In 2018, he gained national attention after delivering a passionate speech defending the Second Amendment at a Greensboro City Council meeting.
• This speech propelled him into the political spotlight.
• In 2020, he ran for and won the position of Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, becoming the first African American to hold this office1.

Controversies and Political Positions

Robinson's political career has been marked by numerous controversies:

• He has made statements criticized as anti-LGBTQ+, anti-Semitic, and Islamophobic.
• Robinson has promoted various far-right conspiracy theories and engaged in Holocaust denial.
• He has taken strong stances against abortion and in favor of gun rights1.

The Atlantic's David A. Graham describes Robinson as "a poster" - someone who can't resist sharing unfiltered thoughts online, comparing him to "an extremely online, right-wing Baby Boomer".

Recent Scandals

In September 2024, CNN reported on Robinson's past comments on a pornographic website called Nude Africa, where he allegedly:

• Described himself as a "Black Nazi"
• Expressed support for slavery
• Discussed enjoying transgender pornography
• Recounted voyeuristic behavior

Robinson denies making these comments, calling the story a "high-tech lynching".

Political Impact

The Wall Street Journal's Editorial Board labeled Robinson part of the "Republican Party Kamikazes," suggesting his candidacy could harm the GOP's chances in North Carolina and potentially help Kamala Harris win the presidency.

The Atlantic notes that Robinson "trails state Attorney General Josh Stein, the Democratic nominee, by substantial margins" and that "Republicans are concerned he could be a drag on both Donald Trump, for whom North Carolina is an important state, and Republicans down the ballot."

North Carolina's Role in the Presidential Race

North Carolina's 15 electoral votes could indeed play a crucial role in helping Kamala Harris reach the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. As a swing state that Trump won narrowly in 2020, a shift to the Democratic column in 2024 could be decisive.

Robinson's controversial candidacy may depress Republican turnout or push moderate voters towards the Democratic ticket, potentially tipping the scales in a close race. This underscores the importance of candidate selection and the potential consequences of nominating polarizing figures in competitive states.

References:

1. The Atlantic: "The GOP Should Have Drawn Its Mark Robinson Line Long Ago" by David A. Graham https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/09/mark-robinson-north-carolina-gubernatorial-race/679958/
2. The Atlantic: "Mark Robinson Is a Poster" by David A. Graham https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/09/robinson-poster/679974/
3. The Wall Street Journal: "Republican Party Kamikazes" by The Editorial Board https://www.wsj.com/opinion/republican-party-mark-robinson-north-carolina-mike-johnson-house-budget-freedom-caucus-2dc29169
4. CNN: Report on Mark Robinson's alleged comments on Nude Africa (referenced in The Atlantic articles)
5. The Carolina Journal: Report on pressure mounting for Robinson to drop out (referenced in The Atlantic articles)
6. The Assembly: Report on Robinson's patronage of porn shops (referenced in The Atlantic articles)
7. Politico: Report on Robinson's email address being used on Ashley Madison (referenced in The Atlantic articles)