Raleigh, North Carolina – John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, took aim at North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson during a recent episode, shedding light on the Republican candidate’s controversial statements and positions. Robinson, who recently secured the GOP nomination for the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election, was criticized by Oliver for his radical views and divisive rhetoric.
Oliver highlighted how Robinson’s political ambitions were bolstered by former President Donald Trump, who praised him as “Martin Luther King on steroids” at a recent rally. The comedian pointed out the problematic nature of Trump’s endorsement and Robinson’s own complex views on civil rights, questioning the sincerity of the comparison made by the former president.
The TV host delved into Robinson’s past remarks, including his skepticism about the civil rights movement and his controversial stance on issues such as gay rights and abortion. Robinson’s support for book bans and his opposition to recognizing gay rights were heavily criticized by Oliver, who characterized the lieutenant governor’s positions as extreme and harmful.
Robinson’s comments about the Greensboro sit-in protests of 1960 being counterproductive to free-market capitalism drew strong condemnation from Oliver, who described them as not only ignorant but also deeply offensive. The comedian also took aim at Robinson’s statement about abortion, highlighting the candidate’s controversial views on women’s reproductive rights.
In his critique, Oliver referenced Robinson’s memoir, which revealed the lieutenant governor’s initial foray into social media and his use of controversial statements to garner attention. The TV host also pointed out Robinson’s history of making inflammatory remarks, including comments about Jewish people that were later dismissed as “poorly worded.”
Ultimately, Oliver painted a damning picture of Robinson, portraying him as a divisive figure with extreme views and questionable rhetoric. The comedian’s scathing takedown of the North Carolina politician shed light on the growing polarization within the Republican Party and the impact of social media on modern politics.