<p>Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has advised Republican nominee Michael Whatley, who is running for Tillis's Senate seat, to embrace healthy disagreement with President Donald Trump and to appeal to unaffiliated voters. Tillis emphasized the importance of knowing when to disagree with Trump, particularly on issues that may not resonate with North Carolina voters.</p>
<p>“I support the vast majority of the president’s policy, but I think anybody who is hesitant to disagree with things that are objectively not popular in North Carolina has to be out of their mind,” Tillis stated in an interview with the <em>Washington Examiner</em>. He referred to certain distractions in Washington, such as Trump's involvement in the Kennedy Center name change and plans for a “triumphal” arch.</p>
<p>Tillis made these comments on the day Trump was scheduled to campaign with Whatley in Gastonia, North Carolina. He noted that many people are struggling financially and questioned the rationale behind spending on projects that do not align with the public's needs. “I think you have a healthy disagreement,” he said, adding that there is a perception that silence equates to consent regarding controversial issues.</p>
<p>Whatley, who is aligned with Trump on policy, is facing former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper in his first campaign for public office. The seat is considered competitive, with Cooper holding a polling and fundraising advantage.</p>
<p>Trump has previously criticized Cooper, labeling him a “radical left politician posing as a moderate,” while acknowledging the challenges he faces in North Carolina, where Democrats have won several statewide elections.</p>
<p>Tillis has previously suggested that Whatley pivot toward the center to attract North Carolina's significant number of unaffiliated voters. He expressed concern about the energized left-leaning voter base and the need for Whatley to resonate with a broader audience.</p>
<p>While Tillis has offered to support Whatley, he noted that his offers have not been fully embraced. He concluded by stating the importance of being cautious about messaging, as it is crucial to connect with unaffiliated voters for electoral success.</p>