Yes - abusive. I suggest reading the whole NYT article, but here's something from a Maine woman who supports Platner's policies: She ""said that in 2021 he arrived at her house drunk, after she had asked him not to come over. She declined to elaborate, but said she cut off contact soon after that episode and found his behavior “reckless” and “unsettling.”
Good news Amy. Looks like you get to vote. Feel free to choose Susan Collins. In the mean time stop amplifying this horseshit. I saw the man on Chris Hayes show tonight. Still amazed by him. Great candidate. And really? The NY Times? Please. They work for the oligarchs.
You sound like Trump. Any negative news story is a plot by people out to get me. I think we can be less tribal than that - and still plan on voting for Platner based on policies.
On Chris Hayes he acknowledged the sexting which a few days ago he said were lies and "journalistic malpractice." it seems like Maine Democrats want to vote for someone who is already lying to them. I never thought he could be a Fetterman until this sort of thing. And dismissing reports because of the source is very Trumpian. By the way, unlike Graham Platner, I have never voted for Susan Collins. And I never will.
It is emotional abuse when a big drunk guy comes to your house after you told him not to come and then upsets you with what he did or said. And he didn't admit or apologize for it. He said he was "a bad boyfriend." That said, I'm voting for Platner vs Collins. But it's not a good look on his part to downplay his actions. He could do better - and would of course be far better senator than Collins.
That particular woman wrote in her diary about Platner ten years ago, long before he planned a political career and isn’t the only woman in the NYT story. Also the same sort of thing is said by Trump, that every woman who accused him was politically biased. As a feminist I find that troubling.
I fully agree. But what's most troubling how our entire party refuses to go after the Supreme Court. Right?
Elections have become meaningless when the Supreme Court can simply strike down legislation, like the voting rights act, from the shadow docket. And you KNOW women's rights are next.
The Christian Court WILL strip women of all rights, and yet Plattner is the ONLY candidate stating the obvious. He's the only one demanding that we end the filibuster and pack the court.
Meanwhile, Chuck and Hakeem shout "No Kings" without EVER going after John Roberts. Why? Even after he's been found to be taking $20M in bribes. They will not touch the sacred filibuster, nor will they go after the Red Court. Mills too, that's why she lost.
And don't you find it suspicious that Kirsten Gillibrand, the author of the GENIUS Act crypto giveaway, pushed Al Franken out of office for inappropriate touching during photo shoots, only to advocate for the return of Cuomo the sex pest? What does that tell you?
So as a feminist as well, I think everyone should be asking why our leadership seems to be protecting the Supreme Court and John Roberts? Why? Norms? Why did they give up a court seat to McConnell and then just shrug?
Our leadership has shown that they will hand you off to the handmaids because "our hands are tied". Call me crazy, but I'm all in for the weirdo drunk who is aggressively and fiercely demanding a return to democracy.
It sucks that he may be very flawed. But remember our last normie? Sarah Gideon? She was an AWESOME candidate right up until she lost by NINE POINTS.
I'm sure more will come out. The Times will front load it. Focus on who is willing to pack the court. I believe your freedom depends on it.
As a progressive I find it troubling that so many of my fellow progressive are attempting to ensure Susan Collins’ reelection. Planter is exactly what we raise American men to be. Exactly what we raise marines to be. And now we’re shocked—shocked I tell you—that he turns out to be an American man?
I completely agree with you that I don’t like American men. They’re pigs, they objectify women, they think might makes right, they disparage anyone who’s not a white male, they’re sexist, and they’re bullies. We have a problem with the patriarchy.
In my perfect world women would be running it. But (almost) the only women we allow are Stockholm Syndrome subjects like Susan Collins. If they’re smart and driven and ballsy like AOC or Ilhan or Jasmine, they get shit all day every day until they’re voted out or resign
So I’d give my vote to Platner for one term to get Collins out of office. I believe he’s grown and changed. I LOVE his policies. And I hate her and her vapid ‘concerns’
I’m sick of identity politics. Talarico is also a Talibangelical backed by dark money. I distrust him. He’s Elmer Gantry. But he blows the doors off Paxton.
So I’m done with my screed. And I’m sticking with Platner. Because there’s no better candidate in Maine.
It's not how I raised my son to be and it's not how Platner's upper middle class to rich professional and progressive parents raised him to be, I'm quite sure. That said, I'm voting for him. I just wish people wouldn't construct these frameworks of justifications.
I’m not justifying anything. I explicitly said American men are pigs. I congratulate you for trying not to raise another pig. When he grows up with all the pressures of toxic masculinity piled on his behavior, I hope he turns out as you envision.
I don’t condone Platner’s behavior and I’m not in Maine so I don’t get a vote. I’m just saying I understand it. It’s not unusual behavior for a man in this country and it’s definitely not unusual for a man who’s served combat tours.
I find it very strange that this is the hill so many have chosen to die on. Your average health insurance CEO has murdered more Americans than Osama Bin Laden. Your average congressperson has used our taxpayer money to become one of the worst child murderers in the history of civilization, plus an open traitor to America. And yet there's almost no discourse on how unfit for office the blatant murderers and traitors are. There's no condemnation towards those that allow health insurance cartels to slaughter us like cattle.
Instead, all the ire is directed towards someone who's actively challenging the murderers. His personal level misdeeds haven't gotten anyone killed, but the critics seem to think that all this personal level stuff makes him worse than mass murderers. Really says more about the critics than the man himself, imo.
The Maine woman I just quoted isn't a GOP operative. She told the NYT she likes Platner's policies but, given her experiences with him doesn't think he respects women.
All politics is identity politics. I believe women. And as a teacher and a feminist, I find these creditable stories to be very disappointing.
But as an antifascist, I am more far more worried about the lame document laid out by leadership in our Project 2029. If Plattner's past is disappointing, then this document is downright terrifying.
The Democratic party KNEW Trump was mobbed up. Garland knew he was all over the Epstein files, and our leadership told us to "trust the process" right up until Roberts got Trump out of jail free. Then the Court gave us "Kavanaugh Stops", then Roberts was found to have taken $20M on top of the "gifts" given to Thomas, AND the J6 flags flown by Alito. Now the voting rights act is gutted. Women's rights are next on the chopping block, and our only slogan is "No Kings!"
How is that not the true horror? Why is Plattner the only one calling out the Supreme Court? Why did Mills insist on preserving the filibuster over court reform? This is why Plattner's transgression have become a feature not a bug - he threatens the status quo.
The Democratic party has been playing the wrong identity politics for too long to the point where the Obama's had become Contradiction Propaganda giving Trump the opening. "The Obamas are gifted, brilliant people, AND they are proof that the American dream is still alive." Which is it? We can't all be above average? It's an insult to our intelligence not to recognize the damage that centrist propaganda did.
To quote Jamelle Bouie: “A Project 2029 that has nothing to say about either the Senate filibuster, or an ideologically captured Supreme Court, or extreme partisan gerrymandering — among other concerns — is not a Project 2029 worth the time or effort.”
Thanks for your comments. I think it’s a flawed gender analysis. My husband, a big guy who is a carpenter and cabinet maker, was not raised to get drunk and mistreat women and he hasn’t. I’d rather Platner and his backers practice more accountability. He should get used to that because it’s essential if he is elected. Admit wrong, move on. But yes if he’s the nominee I’ll vote for him.
The political “professionals” on the Platner campaign owe Amy and Graham a huge apology and they should be embarrassed by the services they’ve provided. Great piece Amy.
I’m no longer a Mainer but feel strongly about the Down East community and have lived in Bethel, Bryants Pond and at the end of Mud Street, now Harlow Hill Road in Turner, ME. I know that my former neighbors and friends are ingenious and adaptable and hope they find their way to a good outcome, not settling for a flawed candidate that hid his sexting and other flaws that might undermine a democratic senate race, some other stellar candidates all with their “hat in the ring” for governer, who might step up to fill his shoes and who have the chops that Platner didn’t, have been listed in the post.
I have family in Maine, in Bethel, Norway and So. Paris along with many friends and have attended church at the No. Turner Union Presbyterian Church, that said as stated before I am not a Mainer who can vote in Maine. I hope for the best results and look forward to a good outcome in the upcoming elections
Platner is a flawed human being. Me too! Spend some time listening to him. He’s real and articulate and committed. It’s time for centrist democrats to take their own advice: vote blue no matter who.
I have listened to him. That has nothing to do with how he was poorly vetted and this how his actions before entering politics have and will dominate this campaign. You can wish that’s not the case, but that’s magical thinking.
I believe you are the one who is thinking magically. The "weak vetting" didn't happen with Plattner, it happened with Mills. Mills. Would. Lose.
Look up Sarah Gideon. Please. Look up her great bio. She polled ahead of Collins the whole way, right up until she lost by nine points. NINE! Now recognize that the sentiment this year is to throw our all incumbents. Recognize that ANY political pet of Chuck Schumer would be given the kiss of death. Recognize that voters post Trump do not weigh these transgressions like before. Maybe that's the lament?
The data is already in. A stronger candidate with full support from the machine would not have been run out of town so early. Mills is a weaker, older carbon copy of Gideon. She. Would. Lose. And the burden of proof is on the establishment to prove otherwise.
I have not suggested Mills or Gideon and I can assure you I know both of their bios. I’m a political scientist who has been writing for the Maine public since 2011. This year is a huge opportunity to beat Collins given the political gale force winds against Republicans. Given what I know about which segments of the Maine electorate put Collins over the top, news about stalking and intimidating women is not helpful. I always vote Democratic myself and would even with this troubling information but I know people who are wavering, one of whom used to prosecute abusers.
No you have not. And you are making a clear case for another populist. If Plattner does implode we will need a plan. We had none for Biden and we suffered for it.
I don’t support The Times. The owners support this regime.
Is one of the accusers Lindsey Fifield one of the women who co-founded the group Ladies for Kavanaugh?
And if it is true that the Times did not disclose this then how could you not call it a political hit job.
Finally if it is that’s true will you correct your post?
That information came out after I wrote and published and I don't edit to add new stuff after the fact. There are multiple women on the record, not just one, and the latest situation took place a scant five years ago. Moreover, I don't think the information about that one woman is relevant to my focus on break the glass emergency scenario and the poor vetting by recruiters. Thank you for expressing your views.
And thanks for reading. I agree it’s important to be prepared. I also agree it is most important to fight for a true populist. Not sure if you’ve heard about the new Dem governors in NJ and VA. Both are professional women, and both are huge disappointments already. They just won their elections and already they are blocking for the corporate class. They are kneecapping progressive tax legislation.
In NJ, Mikki is former CIA and she’s going so far as to lying to defend ICE against protestors. So that’s what vetted gets you. Do these polished professional leaders make you feel safer? They don’t make me feel safer at all.
Plattner does seem to have a dark side, and I don’t doubt that can be very creepy to many people, especially women who have had to deal with guys they see as similar. I do not want to discount that.
But if the issue is electability, then that has not hindered him at the ballot box. Maybe that’s sad. Maybe that’s depressing. But the old hippies I just spoke to in Maine do not care. The loooove him.
My point is that every weakness is a strength, and the fact that he is not vetted also means that he’s also happy to be a loose cannon to fight for policies that give our calcified leadership the vapors. These are policies that the professional class are not wired to address. These are policies that are necessary to save us from the fascists and the Handmaids.
He’s directly demanding that we pack the court. That. Is. Huge.
He’s openly demanding that we dismantle the billionaire economy.
He’s against unconditional support for Israel.
He’s openly expressing sympathy for Trump voters who were fooled and is giving them a populist off ramp.
The MAGA have been running propaganda against democrats and immigrants to kick our ass for decades. Propaganda wins. Every Time. It beats policy. Always. So why aren’t we running a simple counter campaign against the Epstein Class? Why? Elon is hated. Zuckerberg is hated. Roberts is a villain. Where is our counter programming? We don’t even nee to lie. Peter Theil is evil. The Palintir are literally the Evil Seeing Stones used by Sauron on The Lord of the Rings. That’s his surveillance company.
Plattner is the ONLY candidate I’ve heard who directly ATTACKS the Red Court and the Epstein class. And my theory is that he’s doing that because he’s a loose cannon. He’s doing that because he’s not vetted.
I fully concede your points. I just ask that you recognize that Chuck and Hakeem desperately want to take Plattner down, just like the did Mamdani. And they’re after him for nefarious reasons as evident by the fact that they preferred the sex pest Cuomo who was openly corrupt.
The people I know in Maine fully expect Platner to win and, post Trump, they do not care about these scandals. At that point, please understand that OUR leadership would rather loose the seat and protect John Roberts than loose control of the messaging. Those “vetted professionals” will gladly hand you over to the Handmaids with a bipartisan deal.
Let’s please coalesce around Graham - every human has skeletons. I’ve been to his town hall meetings and he is a gifted leader . Divided we fall …. As far as the controversy ; Mainers don’t care at this stage - all we want is to survive and have a better economy. Graham will shake things up ( even as a freshman ) 💪🏽🌲🦞🌲🦞
I wish I could fully believe this doesn’t matter to voters. Recent polls are not encouraging. I will of course vote for him vs Collins since he’s so superior policy wise. That doesn’t mean the full set of Maine voters will in November, particularly as new news comes out and the Collins campaign gets amped up.
If Trump can still have a maga tribe after ALL THE HORRORS HE HAS COMMITTED - there is not a single doubt that any debauchery in Graham’s past will be brushed aside . Maine really loves Platner and so does Bernie 🦞👍🏽🌲👍🏽🦞🌲 💪🏽💪🏽
Agreed Matt. The reason Republicans always win and impose their bullshit policies on all of us is because they coalesce. Democrats seek a perfection NONE OF US EMBODY as people or candidates. We want genuine. PLATNER is it. Imperfect with flaws like all of us. But ready to take on Republican nonsense for the common man and woman. He isnt a rich due flying around on his self branded jet. Lets wake up folks.
The real life story of #Platner is marred with the scars that life deals to every single one of us. We learn, we repent, accept responsibility and we move on as better americans. We are redeemed. To beleive there aren't candidates who come flawless with all that life is about, isn't true. At a time when Trump has been forgiven by some americans for the unforgivable without as much as an inkling of repentance allows the space for a candidate for #Maine US #Senate that rises for your #vote to parilticipate in a government #ForThePeopleByThePeople #WeThePeople will continue to make our government a more perfect union.
I get this this a "break glass in case of emergency" article, but I think it's ignoring the larger fire of fascism and the fact that maybe the glass was already broken when Planter was selected. People are angry at ALL incumbents. His past transgressions and the fact that he threatens leadership have become a feature, not a bug.
Our last normie candidate, Sarah Gideon, was very well known in Maine as the Democratic house leadership. She was an experienced professional who polled three points ahead of Collins consistently until she lost by NINE POINTS! NINE!"
Be wary of feminists showing more regard for the filibuster than the constitution. Mills, Chuck, Hakeem, and Gillibrand will watch the Christian Court strip women of their rights, just like they killed the voting rights act. They'll shout "no kings" without ever pointing the finger at the judges who anointed the crown. These are the same leaders who wanted the sex-pest Cuomo back in office as Mayor! Selective party outrage like that doesn't fly.
Those are great points but I’ll also add that the emergency options I mentioned are not Gideon or Mills. They’re all people Graham ranked and the top option is his top choice for governor.
Let’s please coalesce around Graham - every human has skeletons. I’ve been to his town hall meetings and he is a gifted leader . Divided we fall …. As far as the controversy ; Mainers don’t care at this stage - all we want is to survive and have a better economy. Graham will shake things up ( even as a freshman )
Nobody is perfect. Neither is the voting public if they decided to put their life out there in order to try to make a better place for all of us. Platner is a regular guy.
There’s literally nothing regular about him. He has multiple women coming forward who have made complaints in the past. His wife looks scared to even talk. If he’s a “regular” guy this country is far more degraded than I ever realized. The men I’ve had relationships with or married to have never been that guy. They are decent, good men. Thankfully my views of men aren’t so skewed. I’ve had all good men in my life.
Didn't Angus King get elected to the US senate as an independent in the November race? Like three times? With ranked choice voting at least once? Why not just run someone as an independent as a back up plan to rank as #1 and Platner as #2 to shut Collins out. Because Platner is going to be your D nominee.
Angus King won his first race before ranked choice voting existed. He easily won reelection twice because he was a de facto moderate Democrat in office and the Democratic party did not run or support a strong candidate. There are no independent candidates on the general election ballot.
Hey guys. I heard Susan Collins had a long affair with a married man. Or maybe she was married? I don't know.Haven't run it down but the source seemed quite confident about that. Weird huh? I guess it's a "pick your poison" situation, eh?
Abusive? Nope. A jerk? Sure. Disqualifying? No. Stop it.
Yes - abusive. I suggest reading the whole NYT article, but here's something from a Maine woman who supports Platner's policies: She ""said that in 2021 he arrived at her house drunk, after she had asked him not to come over. She declined to elaborate, but said she cut off contact soon after that episode and found his behavior “reckless” and “unsettling.”
Good news Amy. Looks like you get to vote. Feel free to choose Susan Collins. In the mean time stop amplifying this horseshit. I saw the man on Chris Hayes show tonight. Still amazed by him. Great candidate. And really? The NY Times? Please. They work for the oligarchs.
You sound like Trump. Any negative news story is a plot by people out to get me. I think we can be less tribal than that - and still plan on voting for Platner based on policies.
The commenter is correct, however. It’s either Susan Collins or this guy.
Do we keep enabling Trump? Do you think it’s worth it to let Platner lose? I’m not so sure.
On Chris Hayes he acknowledged the sexting which a few days ago he said were lies and "journalistic malpractice." it seems like Maine Democrats want to vote for someone who is already lying to them. I never thought he could be a Fetterman until this sort of thing. And dismissing reports because of the source is very Trumpian. By the way, unlike Graham Platner, I have never voted for Susan Collins. And I never will.
That’s not abuse. That’s being a jerk which he has admitted to and apologized for.
It is emotional abuse when a big drunk guy comes to your house after you told him not to come and then upsets you with what he did or said. And he didn't admit or apologize for it. He said he was "a bad boyfriend." That said, I'm voting for Platner vs Collins. But it's not a good look on his part to downplay his actions. He could do better - and would of course be far better senator than Collins.
I’d feel a lot better if the woman he supposedly grabbed wasn’t a Republican operative for sale to the highest bidder.
That particular woman wrote in her diary about Platner ten years ago, long before he planned a political career and isn’t the only woman in the NYT story. Also the same sort of thing is said by Trump, that every woman who accused him was politically biased. As a feminist I find that troubling.
I fully agree. But what's most troubling how our entire party refuses to go after the Supreme Court. Right?
Elections have become meaningless when the Supreme Court can simply strike down legislation, like the voting rights act, from the shadow docket. And you KNOW women's rights are next.
The Christian Court WILL strip women of all rights, and yet Plattner is the ONLY candidate stating the obvious. He's the only one demanding that we end the filibuster and pack the court.
Meanwhile, Chuck and Hakeem shout "No Kings" without EVER going after John Roberts. Why? Even after he's been found to be taking $20M in bribes. They will not touch the sacred filibuster, nor will they go after the Red Court. Mills too, that's why she lost.
And don't you find it suspicious that Kirsten Gillibrand, the author of the GENIUS Act crypto giveaway, pushed Al Franken out of office for inappropriate touching during photo shoots, only to advocate for the return of Cuomo the sex pest? What does that tell you?
So as a feminist as well, I think everyone should be asking why our leadership seems to be protecting the Supreme Court and John Roberts? Why? Norms? Why did they give up a court seat to McConnell and then just shrug?
Our leadership has shown that they will hand you off to the handmaids because "our hands are tied". Call me crazy, but I'm all in for the weirdo drunk who is aggressively and fiercely demanding a return to democracy.
It sucks that he may be very flawed. But remember our last normie? Sarah Gideon? She was an AWESOME candidate right up until she lost by NINE POINTS.
I'm sure more will come out. The Times will front load it. Focus on who is willing to pack the court. I believe your freedom depends on it.
As a progressive I find it troubling that so many of my fellow progressive are attempting to ensure Susan Collins’ reelection. Planter is exactly what we raise American men to be. Exactly what we raise marines to be. And now we’re shocked—shocked I tell you—that he turns out to be an American man?
I completely agree with you that I don’t like American men. They’re pigs, they objectify women, they think might makes right, they disparage anyone who’s not a white male, they’re sexist, and they’re bullies. We have a problem with the patriarchy.
In my perfect world women would be running it. But (almost) the only women we allow are Stockholm Syndrome subjects like Susan Collins. If they’re smart and driven and ballsy like AOC or Ilhan or Jasmine, they get shit all day every day until they’re voted out or resign
So I’d give my vote to Platner for one term to get Collins out of office. I believe he’s grown and changed. I LOVE his policies. And I hate her and her vapid ‘concerns’
I’m sick of identity politics. Talarico is also a Talibangelical backed by dark money. I distrust him. He’s Elmer Gantry. But he blows the doors off Paxton.
So I’m done with my screed. And I’m sticking with Platner. Because there’s no better candidate in Maine.
It's not how I raised my son to be and it's not how Platner's upper middle class to rich professional and progressive parents raised him to be, I'm quite sure. That said, I'm voting for him. I just wish people wouldn't construct these frameworks of justifications.
I’m not justifying anything. I explicitly said American men are pigs. I congratulate you for trying not to raise another pig. When he grows up with all the pressures of toxic masculinity piled on his behavior, I hope he turns out as you envision.
I don’t condone Platner’s behavior and I’m not in Maine so I don’t get a vote. I’m just saying I understand it. It’s not unusual behavior for a man in this country and it’s definitely not unusual for a man who’s served combat tours.
I find it very strange that this is the hill so many have chosen to die on. Your average health insurance CEO has murdered more Americans than Osama Bin Laden. Your average congressperson has used our taxpayer money to become one of the worst child murderers in the history of civilization, plus an open traitor to America. And yet there's almost no discourse on how unfit for office the blatant murderers and traitors are. There's no condemnation towards those that allow health insurance cartels to slaughter us like cattle.
Instead, all the ire is directed towards someone who's actively challenging the murderers. His personal level misdeeds haven't gotten anyone killed, but the critics seem to think that all this personal level stuff makes him worse than mass murderers. Really says more about the critics than the man himself, imo.
The Maine woman I just quoted isn't a GOP operative. She told the NYT she likes Platner's policies but, given her experiences with him doesn't think he respects women.
All politics is identity politics. I believe women. And as a teacher and a feminist, I find these creditable stories to be very disappointing.
But as an antifascist, I am more far more worried about the lame document laid out by leadership in our Project 2029. If Plattner's past is disappointing, then this document is downright terrifying.
The Democratic party KNEW Trump was mobbed up. Garland knew he was all over the Epstein files, and our leadership told us to "trust the process" right up until Roberts got Trump out of jail free. Then the Court gave us "Kavanaugh Stops", then Roberts was found to have taken $20M on top of the "gifts" given to Thomas, AND the J6 flags flown by Alito. Now the voting rights act is gutted. Women's rights are next on the chopping block, and our only slogan is "No Kings!"
How is that not the true horror? Why is Plattner the only one calling out the Supreme Court? Why did Mills insist on preserving the filibuster over court reform? This is why Plattner's transgression have become a feature not a bug - he threatens the status quo.
The Democratic party has been playing the wrong identity politics for too long to the point where the Obama's had become Contradiction Propaganda giving Trump the opening. "The Obamas are gifted, brilliant people, AND they are proof that the American dream is still alive." Which is it? We can't all be above average? It's an insult to our intelligence not to recognize the damage that centrist propaganda did.
To quote Jamelle Bouie: “A Project 2029 that has nothing to say about either the Senate filibuster, or an ideologically captured Supreme Court, or extreme partisan gerrymandering — among other concerns — is not a Project 2029 worth the time or effort.”
Thanks for your comments. I think it’s a flawed gender analysis. My husband, a big guy who is a carpenter and cabinet maker, was not raised to get drunk and mistreat women and he hasn’t. I’d rather Platner and his backers practice more accountability. He should get used to that because it’s essential if he is elected. Admit wrong, move on. But yes if he’s the nominee I’ll vote for him.
The political “professionals” on the Platner campaign owe Amy and Graham a huge apology and they should be embarrassed by the services they’ve provided. Great piece Amy.
I’m no longer a Mainer but feel strongly about the Down East community and have lived in Bethel, Bryants Pond and at the end of Mud Street, now Harlow Hill Road in Turner, ME. I know that my former neighbors and friends are ingenious and adaptable and hope they find their way to a good outcome, not settling for a flawed candidate that hid his sexting and other flaws that might undermine a democratic senate race, some other stellar candidates all with their “hat in the ring” for governer, who might step up to fill his shoes and who have the chops that Platner didn’t, have been listed in the post.
https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2026-05-22/shenna-bellows-troy-jackson-and-hannah-pingree-form-ranked-choice-alliance-in-gubernatorial-primary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenna_Bellows
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Jackson_(politician)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Pingree
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_East
Glad you aren’t a Mainer
I have family in Maine, in Bethel, Norway and So. Paris along with many friends and have attended church at the No. Turner Union Presbyterian Church, that said as stated before I am not a Mainer who can vote in Maine. I hope for the best results and look forward to a good outcome in the upcoming elections
Platner is a flawed human being. Me too! Spend some time listening to him. He’s real and articulate and committed. It’s time for centrist democrats to take their own advice: vote blue no matter who.
I have listened to him. That has nothing to do with how he was poorly vetted and this how his actions before entering politics have and will dominate this campaign. You can wish that’s not the case, but that’s magical thinking.
I believe you are the one who is thinking magically. The "weak vetting" didn't happen with Plattner, it happened with Mills. Mills. Would. Lose.
Look up Sarah Gideon. Please. Look up her great bio. She polled ahead of Collins the whole way, right up until she lost by nine points. NINE! Now recognize that the sentiment this year is to throw our all incumbents. Recognize that ANY political pet of Chuck Schumer would be given the kiss of death. Recognize that voters post Trump do not weigh these transgressions like before. Maybe that's the lament?
The data is already in. A stronger candidate with full support from the machine would not have been run out of town so early. Mills is a weaker, older carbon copy of Gideon. She. Would. Lose. And the burden of proof is on the establishment to prove otherwise.
I have not suggested Mills or Gideon and I can assure you I know both of their bios. I’m a political scientist who has been writing for the Maine public since 2011. This year is a huge opportunity to beat Collins given the political gale force winds against Republicans. Given what I know about which segments of the Maine electorate put Collins over the top, news about stalking and intimidating women is not helpful. I always vote Democratic myself and would even with this troubling information but I know people who are wavering, one of whom used to prosecute abusers.
No you have not. And you are making a clear case for another populist. If Plattner does implode we will need a plan. We had none for Biden and we suffered for it.
I don’t support The Times. The owners support this regime.
Is one of the accusers Lindsey Fifield one of the women who co-founded the group Ladies for Kavanaugh?
And if it is true that the Times did not disclose this then how could you not call it a political hit job.
Finally if it is that’s true will you correct your post?
That information came out after I wrote and published and I don't edit to add new stuff after the fact. There are multiple women on the record, not just one, and the latest situation took place a scant five years ago. Moreover, I don't think the information about that one woman is relevant to my focus on break the glass emergency scenario and the poor vetting by recruiters. Thank you for expressing your views.
And thanks for reading. I agree it’s important to be prepared. I also agree it is most important to fight for a true populist. Not sure if you’ve heard about the new Dem governors in NJ and VA. Both are professional women, and both are huge disappointments already. They just won their elections and already they are blocking for the corporate class. They are kneecapping progressive tax legislation.
In NJ, Mikki is former CIA and she’s going so far as to lying to defend ICE against protestors. So that’s what vetted gets you. Do these polished professional leaders make you feel safer? They don’t make me feel safer at all.
Plattner does seem to have a dark side, and I don’t doubt that can be very creepy to many people, especially women who have had to deal with guys they see as similar. I do not want to discount that.
But if the issue is electability, then that has not hindered him at the ballot box. Maybe that’s sad. Maybe that’s depressing. But the old hippies I just spoke to in Maine do not care. The loooove him.
My point is that every weakness is a strength, and the fact that he is not vetted also means that he’s also happy to be a loose cannon to fight for policies that give our calcified leadership the vapors. These are policies that the professional class are not wired to address. These are policies that are necessary to save us from the fascists and the Handmaids.
He’s directly demanding that we pack the court. That. Is. Huge.
He’s openly demanding that we dismantle the billionaire economy.
He’s against unconditional support for Israel.
He’s openly expressing sympathy for Trump voters who were fooled and is giving them a populist off ramp.
The MAGA have been running propaganda against democrats and immigrants to kick our ass for decades. Propaganda wins. Every Time. It beats policy. Always. So why aren’t we running a simple counter campaign against the Epstein Class? Why? Elon is hated. Zuckerberg is hated. Roberts is a villain. Where is our counter programming? We don’t even nee to lie. Peter Theil is evil. The Palintir are literally the Evil Seeing Stones used by Sauron on The Lord of the Rings. That’s his surveillance company.
Plattner is the ONLY candidate I’ve heard who directly ATTACKS the Red Court and the Epstein class. And my theory is that he’s doing that because he’s a loose cannon. He’s doing that because he’s not vetted.
I fully concede your points. I just ask that you recognize that Chuck and Hakeem desperately want to take Plattner down, just like the did Mamdani. And they’re after him for nefarious reasons as evident by the fact that they preferred the sex pest Cuomo who was openly corrupt.
The people I know in Maine fully expect Platner to win and, post Trump, they do not care about these scandals. At that point, please understand that OUR leadership would rather loose the seat and protect John Roberts than loose control of the messaging. Those “vetted professionals” will gladly hand you over to the Handmaids with a bipartisan deal.
Let’s please coalesce around Graham - every human has skeletons. I’ve been to his town hall meetings and he is a gifted leader . Divided we fall …. As far as the controversy ; Mainers don’t care at this stage - all we want is to survive and have a better economy. Graham will shake things up ( even as a freshman ) 💪🏽🌲🦞🌲🦞
I wish I could fully believe this doesn’t matter to voters. Recent polls are not encouraging. I will of course vote for him vs Collins since he’s so superior policy wise. That doesn’t mean the full set of Maine voters will in November, particularly as new news comes out and the Collins campaign gets amped up.
If Trump can still have a maga tribe after ALL THE HORRORS HE HAS COMMITTED - there is not a single doubt that any debauchery in Graham’s past will be brushed aside . Maine really loves Platner and so does Bernie 🦞👍🏽🌲👍🏽🦞🌲 💪🏽💪🏽
I hope he can win. I do know people who won't vote for him because of these sorts of things.
💪🏽
Agreed Matt. The reason Republicans always win and impose their bullshit policies on all of us is because they coalesce. Democrats seek a perfection NONE OF US EMBODY as people or candidates. We want genuine. PLATNER is it. Imperfect with flaws like all of us. But ready to take on Republican nonsense for the common man and woman. He isnt a rich due flying around on his self branded jet. Lets wake up folks.
Spot on 👍🏽
Graham Platner for Senate
We need to come together on Platner.
The real life story of #Platner is marred with the scars that life deals to every single one of us. We learn, we repent, accept responsibility and we move on as better americans. We are redeemed. To beleive there aren't candidates who come flawless with all that life is about, isn't true. At a time when Trump has been forgiven by some americans for the unforgivable without as much as an inkling of repentance allows the space for a candidate for #Maine US #Senate that rises for your #vote to parilticipate in a government #ForThePeopleByThePeople #WeThePeople will continue to make our government a more perfect union.
I’ve been writing about Collins and the harms she’s caused for decades.
True. She is a canned version of what Maine wants and its time for change.
True.
I get this this a "break glass in case of emergency" article, but I think it's ignoring the larger fire of fascism and the fact that maybe the glass was already broken when Planter was selected. People are angry at ALL incumbents. His past transgressions and the fact that he threatens leadership have become a feature, not a bug.
Our last normie candidate, Sarah Gideon, was very well known in Maine as the Democratic house leadership. She was an experienced professional who polled three points ahead of Collins consistently until she lost by NINE POINTS! NINE!"
Be wary of feminists showing more regard for the filibuster than the constitution. Mills, Chuck, Hakeem, and Gillibrand will watch the Christian Court strip women of their rights, just like they killed the voting rights act. They'll shout "no kings" without ever pointing the finger at the judges who anointed the crown. These are the same leaders who wanted the sex-pest Cuomo back in office as Mayor! Selective party outrage like that doesn't fly.
Those are great points but I’ll also add that the emergency options I mentioned are not Gideon or Mills. They’re all people Graham ranked and the top option is his top choice for governor.
Let’s please coalesce around Graham - every human has skeletons. I’ve been to his town hall meetings and he is a gifted leader . Divided we fall …. As far as the controversy ; Mainers don’t care at this stage - all we want is to survive and have a better economy. Graham will shake things up ( even as a freshman )
I'm backing Platner.
I think it’s revolting that the Democratic Party can’t find better candidates
Nobody is perfect. Neither is the voting public if they decided to put their life out there in order to try to make a better place for all of us. Platner is a regular guy.
There’s literally nothing regular about him. He has multiple women coming forward who have made complaints in the past. His wife looks scared to even talk. If he’s a “regular” guy this country is far more degraded than I ever realized. The men I’ve had relationships with or married to have never been that guy. They are decent, good men. Thankfully my views of men aren’t so skewed. I’ve had all good men in my life.
We have a really good bullpen, Amy.
Promoting an unlikely establishment fantasy. Platner is the change we need.
Didn't Angus King get elected to the US senate as an independent in the November race? Like three times? With ranked choice voting at least once? Why not just run someone as an independent as a back up plan to rank as #1 and Platner as #2 to shut Collins out. Because Platner is going to be your D nominee.
Angus King won his first race before ranked choice voting existed. He easily won reelection twice because he was a de facto moderate Democrat in office and the Democratic party did not run or support a strong candidate. There are no independent candidates on the general election ballot.
Hey guys. I heard Susan Collins had a long affair with a married man. Or maybe she was married? I don't know.Haven't run it down but the source seemed quite confident about that. Weird huh? I guess it's a "pick your poison" situation, eh?
Purity tests and circular firing squads are why Dems lose. Looks like another four years of Collins. 👍🏻
BS ! He's not getting replaced