NC Lt. Gov. Robinson warns Trump challengers: 'too many zingers and not enough substance'

North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson on Friday excoriated Republican presidential candidates who participated in the second primary debate for not focusing on the issues facing average Americans and instead treating the political process as a game.

"I did not watch all of that debate. I was at the first debate in Wisconsin, and I'm gonna be completely honest with you: I was very disappointed by some of the things that were said by some of the candidates," he said on the "Just the News, No Noise" television show. "That was far too many zingers and not enough substance. These folks need to realize that this country is in a crisis mode. Right now."

"Our border is wide open. Our economy is in shambles. Our dollar is being threatened and if it falls, we're going to find ourselves in a bad spot this time. Our country is literally at war for its survival," he insisted. "And I don't need people coming up on stage throwing zingers at each other."

"I don't need Chris Christie on stage trying to insult Donald Trump. What I need is some strong folks that are going to step up with some real solutions and some backbone, that are going to push back against what's going on right now, and undo the absolute disaster that has been created by the Biden administration," Robinson continued. "It's time to stop playing games, and realize this is not a game. We are at war here, literally, for the soul, and for this nation survival. These candidates need to act like it."

Trump currently stands as the clear front runner for the Republican nomination and has not attended any of the primary debates. His campaign has called for the cancellation of future debates and demanded the Republican National Committee prioritize defeating President Joe Biden in 2024.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.