The Republican party has more than its share of mean and misguided representatives. But Robinson, the man running for governor of North Carolina, has a good claim to have outdone them all

Do you have: a) unconventional scientific opinions; b) an inability to keep your thoughts and genitals to yourself; c) a soft spot for slavery; and d) a US passport?

If you answered “yes” to most of the above, then congratulations, you’ve got what it takes to be a Republican politician. As you may have noticed, the main qualification for serving as a Republican lawmaker appears to be bizarre and unexpected behaviour. You couldn’t invent some of these people.