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Dear John,

Happy Friday. With the first early votes being cast and just thirty-eight days to go until polling day, here’s a look at what’s been going in the US Presidential race.

How North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson Symbolises Democratic Decline

Some very questionable politicians have made it into office in recent years, both here and in the US. Donald Trump in particular seemed to usher in a wave of strange internet populists, bringing a new crop of zealous oddballs who seemingly spend far too much time online.

Running to be governor of North Carolina, Republican Mark Robinson is a prime example. The man who Donald Trump once praised as “Martin Luther King on steroids,” had his internet persona uncovered by CNN last week, revealing a series of strange habits and ideological quirks.

For one thing, he had referred to the civil rights leader MLK JR. as a “commie b*stard.” Robinson identified himself ([link removed]) online as a “Black Nazi,” quoted Hitler repeatedly, defended the slave trade, revealed a predilection for pornography, and fondly recalled creepily predating on women. Much of what he allegedly said is not repeatable in this email.

He has denied the accusations despite strong evidence against him, claiming his Democratic rival is responsible. Regardless, these allegations could significantly affect the election. North Carolina's race is among the most competitive in the nation, with the governor's contest on the same ballot. At minimum, this controversy might discourage some Republican voters from participating.

But the bigger story here is the utter destruction of standards in public life. After all of this, he’s still a candidate! A scandal that should be career-ending is merely an obstacle, a challenge to be met with bluster and obfuscation.

There have always been dodgy politicians. But the level of public scrutiny has never been this low. Looking at other elected officials in the States – Matt Gaetz ([link removed]) , Marjorie Taylor Greene ([link removed]) , Lauren Boebert ([link removed]) – and our own here in the UK – Lee Anderson, Suella Braverman, and until recently Liz Truss –the calibre seems to have starkly dropped.

These are not serious people, and the fact that they’ve ascended the political ranks suggests something is deeply wrong with politics in both countries.

In other US election news…
* This week, Keir Starmer and David Lammy met with Trump to “establish a relationship ([link removed]) ,” claiming that maintaining the “special relationship” is more important than any one office-holder.
* Walz and JD Vance will go head-to-head in a debate next Tuesday, in the first major debate event since Harris faced off against Trump earlier this month.
* Concerns are mounting ([link removed]) about potential election denial should Harris win, with many known 2020 election deniers holding offices that could disrupt vote counts later this year.

That’s it for this week.

All the best,

Matt Gallagher

Communications Officer

Open Britain
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