Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, has been vocal about his dedication to military and veterans’ issues, making it a cornerstone of his political platform. In a video posted in December 2022, Robinson emphasized his commitment to championing the needs of veterans, striving to make North Carolina a beacon of excellence in veterans’ care.
Despite this rhetoric, Robinson’s track record of attendance on North Carolina’s Military Affairs Commission (MAC), where he holds a nonvoting position as lieutenant governor, tells a different story. The MAC serves as an advisory body on military bases, the National Guard, Reserves, and veterans’ affairs. Disappointingly, Robinson has not attended a single meeting during his four years in office, raising concerns about his sincerity in prioritizing veterans’ issues.
In response to inquiries about his absence, Robinson’s office downplayed the significance of his nonattendance on the commission, emphasizing his engagements with military and veterans’ groups across the state. While his spokesperson cited Robinson’s advocacy for exempting military pensions from state income tax and his interactions with military installations and veterans’ organizations, critics argue that attendance at formal meetings holds symbolic importance in demonstrating one’s commitment.
Political scientist Chris Cooper highlights the significance of time allocation as a demonstration of priorities, suggesting that Robinson’s absenteeism reflects a lack of emphasis on veterans’ issues. Despite Robinson’s vocal support for veterans and active-duty military, his absence at crucial MAC meetings raises questions about his dedication to the cause.
Robinson’s sparse policy details on his website, with a notable exception of “Expanding Veterans Care” as a key priority, further underscore the need for tangible action beyond rhetoric. While he has opposed certain legislative measures such as Medicaid expansion, his ability to effect substantial change for veterans has been limited during his tenure as lieutenant governor.
The widespread attention garnered by Robinson’s polarizing statements and views stands in stark contrast to his campaign promises concerning veterans’ advocacy. Despite his controversial remarks, Robinson’s alignment with pro-military stances is considered politically astute in a state renowned for its military-friendly environment. North Carolina’s rich military heritage makes it imperative for politicians to demonstrate unwavering support for veterans and active-duty service members.
As the gubernatorial race unfolds in North Carolina, Robinson’s track record on veterans’ issues and military advocacy is under scrutiny. The discrepancy between his vocal pledges and tangible actions raises concerns about the authenticity of his commitment to the veteran community. In a political landscape where promises must be backed by meaningful engagement, Robinson’s absenteeism at critical commission meetings sheds light on the challenges of translating rhetoric into real impact for veterans and military personnel.
