In a bizarre and embarrassing campaign stunt, North Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson, found himself facing ridicule after choosing to campaign with a cardboard cutout of former President Donald Trump—while the real Trump was campaigning in the same state. The incident has been widely mocked, with social media buzzing over the spectacle, further contributing to Robinson’s struggles as he lags behind in polling.
The Cardboard Trump Campaign Fiasco
The cringe-worthy moment came to light after a video was posted by MeidasTouch, capturing Robinson standing beside a life-size cutout of Donald Trump during a campaign stop. The clip quickly went viral, with viewers pointing out the awkwardness of promoting a cardboard version of the former president while Trump himself was actively campaigning in North Carolina.
In the video, Robinson appears unfazed by the absurdity of the situation. However, his actions underscore the desperate lengths some GOP candidates are going to in an attempt to cling to Trump’s coattails in the hope of securing votes. For Robinson, who is already struggling to gain ground in his gubernatorial race, this moment of embarrassment could not have come at a worse time.
Mark Robinson was campaigning yesterday with a cardboard cutout of Donald Trump.
(Trump was campaigning in North Carolina at the same time and did not invite Robinson nor did he mention him) pic.twitter.com/MhG3bRWMGr
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) October 5, 2024
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Polling Struggles Highlighted by Stunt
Robinson’s decision to rely on Trump’s likeness, rather than his own platform, reveals more than just a misguided campaign tactic—it highlights his broader struggles in the race for governor. According to a recent poll by The Hill here, Robinson is trailing behind his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Josh Stein. Stein is leading with a significant margin, and Robinson’s repeated missteps are doing little to close that gap.
While Trump remains popular among the Republican base, Robinson’s attachment to the former president has not been enough to elevate his campaign. With growing concerns over his leadership style, controversial past statements, and polarizing positions on key issues like gun control and LGBTQ+ rights, Robinson has yet to win over the broader North Carolina electorate. His reliance on Trump—symbolized most notably by this cardboard cutout—only seems to reinforce the perception that Robinson is not standing on his own merits as a candidate.
Apparently – this is his move.
Mark Robinson forced to campaign with a Trump and Melania cardboard cutout as the GOP nominee continues to ignore him pic.twitter.com/q6yYmnJqXH
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 27, 2024
Robinson’s Struggling Campaign: A History of Controversies
This latest stunt is hardly the first time Mark Robinson has made headlines for the wrong reasons. In fact, his campaign has been plagued by controversy and gaffes, many of which have made Robinson a divisive figure in the state.
- “Robinson’s Hypocrisy Exposed As He Rails Against LGBTQ+ Community While Profiting From LGBTQ+ Books”
Robinson’s vocal opposition to the LGBTQ+ community has sparked outrage among voters. Despite his frequent condemnations, it was discovered that Robinson had previously profited from books supporting LGBTQ+ themes, damaging his credibility. “Robinson has made a career out of railing against the very community he profited from, a revelation that has left many of his supporters disillusioned.” - “Mark Robinson Doubles Down On Dangerous Gun Policies, Refuses To Support Common-Sense Reforms”
Despite North Carolina residents calling for reforms after tragic shootings, Robinson refused to support any form of gun regulation. “While many expected Robinson to show leadership and compassion in the face of tragedy, he has instead chosen to double down on policies that put more North Carolinians at risk.” - “North Carolina GOP Candidate Faces Backlash Over Offensive Comments On Women’s Rights”
Robinson has repeatedly made inflammatory remarks about women’s rights, dismissing gender equality movements and belittling reproductive rights, alienating many female voters. “Robinson’s blatant disregard for women’s autonomy has only further isolated him from a key voting bloc.”
Can Robinson Turn His Campaign Around?
Robinson’s campaign is currently facing an uphill battle. His decision to focus on Trump—whether by using a cardboard cutout or by emphasizing his loyalty to Trumpism—hasn’t resonated with the voters he needs to win over. Instead of demonstrating leadership or offering solutions to North Carolina’s pressing issues, Robinson’s campaign has been largely reactive, defensive, and, at times, downright baffling.
While some of Trump’s most ardent supporters may continue to back Robinson, the general electorate is likely to see his reliance on Trump’s image as a sign of weakness rather than strength. As he continues to trail in the polls against Josh Stein, Robinson’s campaign must find a way to shift the narrative and win over moderate and independent voters. So far, though, his gaffes and missteps have only further alienated those groups.
With the election drawing nearer, it remains to be seen whether Robinson can turn things around. However, if the cardboard Trump incident is any indication, his campaign may be more focused on optics than substance—an approach that could ultimately cost him the governorship.
The Trump Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
It’s clear that Trump still holds significant influence over the Republican Party, but Robinson’s campaign highlights the dangers of leaning too heavily on Trump’s popularity. For some candidates, Trump’s endorsement is a vital lifeline, but for others, the former president’s larger-than-life persona may overshadow their own campaigns.
In Robinson’s case, his apparent inability to define his campaign beyond Trump’s image has hurt him more than helped him. As the race for governor heats up, voters in North Carolina may be looking for a candidate with solutions—something a cardboard cutout can’t provide.
Featured image via public domain and AI
