Mon Sep 23 22:49:39 UTC 2024: ## Vance Deflects Question About North Carolina Lt. Gov. Robinson’s Racist Past, Blames Media Instead
**Raleigh, NC** – Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance faced a barrage of boos from his supporters at a rally Monday when a reporter attempted to ask about allegations of racism against North Carolina’s Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. Robinson, a staunch Trump ally, is running for governor.
WBTV’s Chief Investigative Reporter Nick Ochsner, attempting to ask Vance about Robinson’s past comments, was met with hostility from the crowd. The question stemmed from a recent CNN report that uncovered messages on a pornographic website where Robinson, who is Black, used racial slurs and defended slavery.
“I want to ask you about Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson,” Ochsner began, but before he could finish, the crowd erupted in boos. Vance, appearing to relish the moment, smiled and said, “I knew I’d get asked this. Go ahead.”
Ochsner attempted to continue, but the crowd’s hostility persisted. Vance, ignoring the reporter’s question, shifted the blame to the media. “Here’s my view on the lieutenant governor,” he said. “First of all, what he said and didn’t say is between him and the people of North Carolina. The people of North Carolina are going to make that decision.”
Vance, acknowledging that he’d seen some of the statements, described them as “pretty gross to put it mildly.” He then went on to say that Robinson denied the accusations, and it was up to the voters to decide.
The crowd cheered Vance’s response, which he followed up with a scathing attack on Vice President Kamala Harris. He accused her of failing to address the fentanyl crisis, housing affordability, and rising grocery prices.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between Republican candidates and the media. While Vance chose to deflect the question and focus on his chosen narrative, the allegations against Robinson continue to cast a shadow over his campaign.
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