Welcome to the Politics Desk: Your Source for Daily Political Insights
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that delivers the latest reporting and analysis from the NBC News Politics team. Here, we cover everything from the campaign trail to the White House and Capitol Hill, ensuring you stay informed about the ever-evolving political landscape.
In today’s edition, we delve into the political ramifications of CNN’s recent report concerning North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson and how Donald Trump is navigating the fallout. Additionally, "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker provides an analysis of shifting poll numbers as we approach a new NBC News poll this weekend.
Trump Stands Firm on Robinson Endorsement Amid Scandal
By Matt Dixon, Katherine Doyle, Olympia Sonnier, and Kristen Welker
Donald Trump is currently facing pressure from both allies and members of his own campaign to reconsider his endorsement of Mark Robinson, the North Carolina gubernatorial candidate embroiled in controversy. According to sources familiar with the discussions, there have been calls for Trump to distance himself from Robinson following a CNN report detailing offensive comments Robinson made on a pornography website between 2008 and 2012, prior to his tenure as lieutenant governor.
Despite these pressures, the Trump campaign has indicated that there are no plans to withdraw the endorsement. In a statement, Trump’s campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that the focus remains on winning the White House and highlighted the importance of North Carolina in that strategy. “We are confident that as voters compare the Trump record of a strong economy, low inflation, a secure border, and safe streets, with the failure of Biden-Harris, then President Trump will win the Tarheel State once again,” Leavitt stated.
While some advisers within the campaign have quietly suggested that Trump should reconsider his support for Robinson, these recommendations have not gained traction. Furthermore, Republican figures from North Carolina, including Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, are reportedly planning to privately urge Trump to withdraw his endorsement.
The implications of Robinson’s past comments could pose a significant challenge for Trump, particularly given North Carolina’s status as a crucial swing state. Historically, Trump has been reluctant to publicly retract endorsements, believing that doing so could portray him as weak. Notably, Robinson will not be attending an upcoming Trump rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, marking a departure from his previous appearances at Trump events.
Democrats Seize the Opportunity
In the wake of Robinson’s scandal, Democrats have swiftly moved to capitalize on the situation. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has launched a series of digital ads and billboards that feature Trump praising Robinson, while the Kamala Harris campaign has released an ad linking Trump to Robinson’s controversial anti-abortion comments. However, as noted by NBC News, neither campaign has addressed the inflammatory remarks highlighted in the CNN report.
Polling Shifts: A Look at the Last Two Months
By Kristen Welker
The political landscape has shifted significantly since the last NBC News poll was released in July. Since then, the political arena has witnessed a series of dramatic events, including President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 race and two assassination attempts on former President Trump. With two party conventions and a pivotal debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris now behind us, the upcoming NBC News poll aims to capture the current state of the race.
While specific numbers from the new poll will be revealed on Sunday, preliminary insights suggest three key trends:
-
Strengthening Democratic Position: Democrats are currently in a stronger polling position than they have been throughout the year, largely due to changes at the top of the ticket.
-
Favorable Battleground Map: The battleground map appears more advantageous for Democrats, particularly in critical Rust Belt states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
- Close Contest: The presidential race remains tightly contested, with many national and state poll results falling within the margin of error.
Insights from Undecided Voters
By Bridget Bowman, Emma Barnett, Alex Tabet, and Katherine Koretski
In our previous poll, we reached out to undecided voters who were uncertain about their choices in a hypothetical matchup between Trump and Harris. Among the 21 respondents, a significant number expressed concerns about Trump while leaning toward Harris.
The group included nine voters who remain undecided but are wary of Trump, with several indicating they are inclined to support Harris. Others expressed a need for more information about Harris before making a decision. For instance, Kenneth Hauck, a software tester from San Diego, noted that he found Harris’ housing policies intriguing but wanted to delve deeper into the specifics.
Norna, a 19-year-old fast-food worker from Florida, articulated her disinterest in Trump, emphasizing her focus on Harris’ stances on issues such as police brutality and economic policies. This sentiment reflects a broader trend among undecided voters, many of whom are skeptical of Trump and are exploring alternative options.
Today’s Top Stories
-
Vote Watch: Trump allies on Georgia’s election board voted to require counties to hand-count ballots in the upcoming November election, despite bipartisan warnings about potential disruptions.
-
Ballot Battles: The Supreme Court has rejected Green Party nominee Jill Stein’s request to be included on the ballot in Nevada.
-
Voter Engagement: Early in-person voting has commenced in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia.
-
Security Measures: The House has passed a bill to enhance Secret Service protection for major presidential nominees and their running mates.
-
Divided Government: If elected, Harris may face a Republican-controlled Senate, complicating her legislative agenda.
-
Electoral College Dynamics: As Nebraska Republicans consider changes to state law that could benefit Trump, Democrats in Maine find themselves with limited options to counteract.
-
First Lady’s Message: Jill Biden has called for a peaceful transfer of power, urging unity amid political divisions.
-
Blame Game: Trump has suggested that Jewish voters will bear significant blame if he loses in November.
- Campaign Rhetoric: Trump is recycling ominous predictions from his 2020 campaign against Biden as he gears up for the 2024 race against Harris.
For more updates and insights, follow our live coverage from the campaign trail. If you have feedback or thoughts to share, feel free to reach out to us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com.
And if you enjoy our coverage, please share it with others! They can sign up for our newsletter here.