A North Carolina Republican Who Mocked Women for Abortions Runs Ad with His Wife’s Own Story
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — In a significant twist for the North Carolina gubernatorial race, Republican nominee Mark Robinson has launched an advertising campaign that delves into deeply personal territory — his wife Yolanda Hill's past abortion experience. This comes as Robinson faces mounting criticism for his previous comments about women and abortion, which many have characterized as harsh and insensitive.
Shifting Perceptions on Abortion
Robinson's path to the gubernatorial nomination has been rife with controversy, particularly regarding his views on abortion. Back in 2019, in a Facebook video that has resurfaced during the current campaign, he infamously stated, “Abortion in this country is not about protecting the lives of mothers. It’s about killing the child because you weren’t responsible enough to keep your skirt down.” Such remarks have created a vivid narrative for his opponents, particularly Democratic nominee Josh Stein, who has relentlessly highlighted this statement in ads since June.
However, with the race heating up and concerns about election viability looming, Robinson is attempting to recalibrate public perception. His new ad, set to air on television and digital platforms, features him and his wife discussing a difficult decision they made three decades ago: the abortion they underwent. The juxtaposition of his past comments and this personal revelation marks a stark shift in strategy.
An Emotional Appeal
“Thirty years ago, my wife and I made a very difficult decision. We had an abortion,” Robinson states in the ad, presenting the moment as a raw, emotional experience. He goes on to describe the "silent pain" that lingered in their relationship due to the decision, a reflection meant to instill empathy in viewers who may have struggled with similar decisions.
Yolanda Hill echoes her husband’s sentiments, adding, “It’s something that stays with me forever.” This ad aims to humanize Robinson and, in turn, soften his previously extreme stance on abortion. He maintains his support for the current North Carolina law, which bans most abortions after 12 weeks with proposed exceptions for cases of incest, rape, or threats to the mother’s life.
Political Calculations in a Post-Roe Landscape
The shift in Robinson's messaging could be indicative of a broader trend among Republicans as they navigate the complex landscape of abortion rights in a post-Roe v. Wade world. The Republican Party has historically campaigned on restricting abortion, but with rights issues driving turnout for Democrats, GOP candidates, including Robinson, are becoming increasingly cautious. They are finding it necessary to moderate their positions or evade the topic altogether to prevent alienation of the electorate.
The stakes in North Carolina cannot be overstated; the governor’s race is critical in a battleground state where elections often hinge on razor-thin margins. Should Robinson win, it could significantly influence the Republican-controlled General Assembly's ability to advance its conservative agenda without obstruction.
Opposition Response
In response to Robinson's ad, Stein's campaign was quick to characterize it as an effort to distance himself from his “extreme and toxic stance on abortion.” They contend that Robinson’s advocacy for a stricter abortion ban remains unwavering. "If North Carolinians want to know where Mark Robinson really stands on abortion, they should listen to every other comment he’s made on the issue before today,” stated Morgan Hopkins, spokesperson for the Stein campaign.
Democrats and Abortion Politics
Democrats have turned abortion rights into a central rallying point following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which was widely viewed as a threat to women's reproductive rights. Both national and state-level candidates have successfully utilized abortion issues to garner support in crucial races, demonstrated by recent Democratic victories in places like Kentucky and Virginia.
Josh Stein's approach to abortion mirrors a commitment to the Roe v. Wade framework, advocating for protections that allow for abortions up until viability — generally recognized as around 24 to 26 weeks. This positions him on a starkly different end of the spectrum compared to Robinson’s previously articulated stances.
Conclusion
As Mark Robinson navigates the political landscape leading up to the November gubernatorial election, his latest campaign ad represents a strategic pivot in how he is communicating his views on a divisive issue that influences voter sentiment profoundly. While he attempts to present a relatable narrative through his wife’s experience, the question remains whether this emotional appeal will resonate with a broader electorate that has become increasingly attuned to the implications of abortion politics. With such high stakes, the outcomes of this campaign could shape North Carolina’s legal and political framework for years to come.