Donald Trump made a return to North Carolina, specifically Wilmington, delivering speeches and making direct appeals to women voters. He claimed he would be a more supportive advocate for women compared to Vice President Kamala Harris, who aims to become the first female president. Trump avoided mentioning Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson during his speech, amidst reports about Robinson’s alleged inappropriate posts on a website’s message board, which Robinson denied writing, dismissing them as tabloid lies.
The Democrats utilized the opportunity to associate Trump with Robinson, highlighting their ties in billboards and a new ad by Harris’ campaign. Trump’s stance on abortion is under scrutiny, with North Carolina enacting strict abortion laws following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. However, a recent poll showed more trust in Harris regarding abortion policies.
During his speech, Trump assured women of a brighter future under his presidency, emphasizing a shift of abortion regulation to states’ discretion. He invited his young grandchildren on stage, displaying a softer side amidst increased security measures like bulletproof glass at outdoor events, following a security incident in Pennsylvania.
Robinson, a key Trump ally in North Carolina, faced skepticism due to his controversial statements in the past. Trump narrowly won North Carolina in the prior election, making it a crucial battleground state. Despite the challenges, Trump’s supporters remain loyal, dismissing allegations against Robinson as fake news.
The attention on North Carolina from both Trump and Harris signifies the state’s importance in the upcoming election. Wilmington, a county that Biden won narrowly in 2020, was a focal point of recent campaigning efforts. Individuals like Julia Novotny from Wilmington expressed support for Trump, praising his character and values amid past controversies.
