North Carolina GOP Candidate Mark Robinson, a Harsh Abortion Critic, Says His Wife Once Had the Procedure in New Ad
In a surprising turn of events, North Carolina's Republican nominee for governor, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, has released a poignant new television advertisement in which he and his wife reveal a deeply personal aspect of their lives: thirty years ago, they made the difficult decision to have an abortion. This heartfelt revelation is part of Robinson's campaign strategy as he navigates a contentious political landscape rife with debates over reproductive rights.
The Ad's Central Message
In the advertisement, Mark Robinson and his wife speak directly to the camera, sharing their story without delving into the specific circumstances surrounding the abortion. Robinson candidly states, “Thirty years ago, my wife and I made a very difficult decision. We had an abortion.” This admission marks a significant moment in his campaign, especially given his previous strong anti-abortion stance. Robinson has a history of vocal criticism regarding abortion, having made incendiary statements in the past that connected abortion with personal irresponsibility.
A Complicated History with Abortion
Robinson's admission is not entirely new; he first spoke about paying for his then-girlfriend's abortion in a Facebook post back in 2012. However, this most recent advertisement aims to humanize the candidate amidst mounting criticism from opponents who have characterized his past comments as extreme. Currently, North Carolina law restricts abortions after 12 weeks, allowing exceptions only in cases of rape, incest, or threats to the mother's life. In the same advertisement, Robinson reaffirms his commitment to these restrictions, suggesting a desire to solidify his position with voters who may have mixed feelings about abortion rights.
Opponent’s Reaction and Criticism
Democratic gubernatorial candidate, state Attorney General Josh Stein, has not shied away from criticizing Robinson's past remarks. Earlier this year, Stein's campaign released attack ads highlighting Robinson’s previous comments regarding abortion, including a controversial 2019 Facebook Live stream where he characterized abortion as an act of irresponsibility. Stein’s campaign spokesperson, Morgan Hopkins, stated, “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.” This assertion underscores the tension among candidates as they navigate the political landscape surrounding reproductive rights.
Shifts in Political Strategy
Robinson's public stance appears to be shifting. During the GOP gubernatorial primary earlier in the year, he indicated a desire to pursue further restrictions on abortion; his comments about lowering the cutoff for legal abortions to six weeks suggest a harder line than he currently upholds in his advertisement. His campaign spokesperson, Mark Lonergan, did not address the discrepancy between Robinson’s historical remarks and his current ad, instead emphasizing the importance of bolstering support systems for women and families as governor.
Similarities with Other GOP Candidates
Robinson is not alone among GOP candidates in addressing the sensitive topic of abortion through personal anecdotes. Earlier this year, Nevada GOP Senate nominee Sam Brown also made headlines with revelations concerning his wife's past abortion. Furthermore, candidates in competitive gubernatorial races in Washington and New Hampshire are running similar ads emphasizing their commitment to uphold existing abortion laws, a response to Democratic efforts to depict Republicans as extreme on this issue.
Conclusion
Mark Robinson's new ad represents a complex intertwining of vulnerability and political strategy. By sharing a personal story about abortion, he seeks to reframe his public persona in response to criticisms regarding his past statements. However, he must navigate the choppy waters of his previous comments while appealing to a diverse electorate in North Carolina. As the election approaches, voters will be keenly observing how Robinson's narrative plays out amid an environment that continues to scrutinize candidates' positions on women's rights and health. The outcome may very well hinge on how effectively he can reconcile his personal history with his political ambitions.