NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Candidates for North Carolina governor are at odds over whether or not they will debate before the November election.
Lt. Governor Mark Robinson posted the following to X on Tuesday.
"My opponent’s campaign is hiding behind millions of dollars in dishonest TV ads funded by liberal billionaires and left-wing special interests to tear me down. I won’t let that stop me from making my case to the voters for a better future for NC. My campaign has offered multiple dates to debate my opponent so the voters can decide for themselves. The question is, will @JoshStein_ agree to debate me? #ncpol #ncgov."
Michael Lonergan with the Robinson Campaign said it has offered dates to debate on Spectrum and other outlets as well.
Kate Frauenfelder with Attorney General Josh Stein's campaign responded to Robinson's call for a debate. Releasing the following statement:
“Mark Robinson has spent his entire public life spewing hate, lying about his record, and spreading dangerous and false conspiracy theories. A debate would only serve to legitimize him and provide a platform for his vile and dangerous rhetoric, and we won't be part of that."
Jason Husser is an Elon University poll director. A survey conducted by the university last month revealed voters have a more favorable view of Stein opposed to Robinson. Husser explained what both parties are likely considering when it comes to a debate.
"Right now, the question the governor candidates are facing is 'Do we need to move the needle and will debates move the needle in the way we want them to?' Robinson's campaign has a position of well we're lagging behind so this could potentially move us forward and we're already behind. Stein's campaign is likely looking at it as we're ahead why take this risk," said Husser.
Debates have a long history in American politics, but things have changed over the years. As Husser explained candidates do not rely on them as they used to.
"At one point when there were really three outlets of television in the United States getting on those major networks was really critical to get the message out to voters. Now we have a plethora of options for candidates to communicate with voters. Many candidates would prefer to use their own platforms and unmediated communication of social media other times they're saying well I don't actually need to talk to the other side, so I don't need to cast this big net, what I want to do is target certain groups." Husser said.
Husser recalled times in the past when four or five debates were had between governors within a campaign season, in contrast to this race, there have been none. Ultimately, he said this means voters have less opportunity to learn about candidates.
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