Good post, thank you. I am not in Maine, so my opinion doesn't matter much, but I am a woman, which makes Platner a hard moral choice, but I'm also a brown immigrant living in 2026 America, which makes Collins a choice that could have me in a concentration camp someday (she just voted, again, to fund ICE as the most well funded paramilitary in the world, having as target, people like me).
So if I lived in Maine, this would be a survival choice for me.
I am a Maine resident, a woman and I plan to vote for Graham. There are no perfect candidates. I’ve been to one of his town halls. He doesn’t take money from super pacs and I believe he has our best interest at heart. Susan Collins’ voting record is horrific and we cannot continue to allow her to follow and support the current administration’s agenda. Onward!
I live in Maine and really appreciate your perspective. The struggle is real. My husband served in the Navy for 30+ years and Grahams behavior is disturbing. Hopefully that is behind him. It is sad when you have to vote for the lesser of two evils. Collins cannot remain in office!
What breaks my heart is we could have had a wonderful senator in Sara Gideon. No controversy or scandals, stood for everything Democrats champion. But here we are. We will support a lesser man and call him "flawed" but somehow couldn't support a superior woman. I'm just so sick of that happening over and over and over...
I’m not in Maine but I’m disturbed by the choices Mainers have. I am the daughter of immigrant parents & ancestors & my soul is in pain for every immigrant being jailed & deported.
The cruelty of this regime has been perpetuated by Senator Collins. She definitely needs to be removed.
Is there no other choice but this man who, by all accounts, is yet another misogynist with a creepy tattoo that somehow just happened to show up on his chest?
(BTW elaborate tattoos don’t just magically appear one drunken night. They take multiple visits to a tattoo parlor. It takes intention.)
How desperate have we Dems become to believe we have to vote for this type of person?
Signed, Californian here who was once convinced Swalwell was a good guy.
Thank you for this post. I am a Mainer and a lifelong Dem. I am seriously concerned about Platner and his dismissal of the intersection of race, gender, and economy. He frames everything in the binary of “have-and have-nots” and he seems to have very little awareness of the other forces and nuances that affect our daily lives. He has NO demonstrated leadership skills, nor a history that suggests to me that he can run a SENATE office. Yes, he is smart (ish) yes he “sort of” speaks to his past and some level of ownership. The fact that the argument always seems to go to “well, he’s better than Collins,” means little to me. It is the kind of dismissal that people have used to prop up mediocre white men for centuries. If this candidate were a woman or a POC, they would be OUT. We don’t forgive these groups the same way we forgive, laud, and support white men. Instead, we have more of the same old BS that we been suffering with for years. We are watching people prop up the flimsy tenets of patriarchy, just in a new form, and calling it our “best greatest hope.” Thank you for your analysis and for your statement about holding him accountable. This is a hard one. I KNOW that we need to flip the senate. I will be there watching, calling, writing, and advocating for Mainers every step of the way.
I'm a 59-year-old Maine woman and a strong supporter of Graham Platner. I volunteer for his campaign in several capacities, and I've attended five of his events in person, including the most recent one in Bar Harbor. I know many of his childhood friends and neighbors. I am so tired of people who don't live here and have not met Graham dissecting his past (which he acknowledges was problematic) while ignoring or glossing over his very well-reasoned, specific, detailed, progressive platform that really resonates with many of us Mainers. He knows Mainers, and he has specific plans to reverse the decline in the prosperity, happiness and health of hard-working people. He is building power for us in a way that very few politicians have done, and he has given me hope for the future of politics for the first time in my adult life.
Slade, I really value your input on most things, but I think you missed the mark on this one. Graham isn't a "best of the bad options" candidate, he's an outstanding choice, and is a man who has dedicated himself to being better every day. He has held 71 town halls so far in every part of our state. He answers EVERY question he gets, and he doesn't screen the questions beforehand. He really LISTENS to the people he meets, and truly wants to understand them.
In Graham's words, "If you believe in transformational politics... you have to believe in the ability of people to transform." I really think he is doing the work.
Appreciate your insider perspective. I believe he is going to win and I believe he will say true to his message. I just hope his darker angels don’t intensify with power.
I have spent time in Maine and I’ve got to know their people. They are tough, flinty , and above all honest. If they tell you something or want you to do something, they’re totally honest about it.
My best friend and neighbor is an ex marine. He had PTSD as well and after a rehab program involving horses, he was able to straighten out his life, marry the girl of his dreams, and return to work. He is of German extraction: his mother is German. She was alive during the Hitler era.
My friend is a humble man. He participates in men’s groups and his church. He is above all honest. I would not hesitate to call him and ask him to do something for me and I know that he would do it. He has not shared with me a lot of of his past as that was dealt with during his therapy. But given I’ve known other Service members with PTSD, it is not uncommon that he feels that way.
I’m also a disabled veteran. I have seen guys come back from battle who have dealt with it with alcohol and inappropriate behavior. That is not the proper escape, but it is an escape.
Comparing Swalwell to Graham Platner is apples and oranges. Swalwell showed repeated sexual harassment and non-consensual sex. Graham Platner on the other hand, had events in his past and served four tours as a marine serving his country. If I’m going to vote between the two, I will take Platner
every time. I have seen and heard him speak on social media as well as television. I saw his interview with Chris Hayes on MS NOW. My feeling is that he’s answered the questions truthfully and honestly. I feel he has an honest person and has a platform with which I mostly agree.
Then to address the former employee, I would question her response of resignation and going immediately to the press. An honorable person would confront the candidate and say I cannot work any longer in this environment and resign. Her response, smacks of political retribution.
We do need an ally in Maine. I think Platner knows that he’s under the microscope and will not make any other mistakes.
I also know that these events occurred in the past. A certain Mango Mussolini had a lot of events in his past and way worse and more numerous than Graham Platner. He was given redemption by his party and has continued his behaviors. Graham Platner has not. I support Graham Platner over Susan Collins any day of the week.
Thanks for being such an inspiration to me and to all your followers.
Republicans engage in guerrilla warfare style campaigning. Thus far it seems like we have an actual redeemed man in Platner. Let’s stick with him, unless there’s real evidence to prove otherwise. Nice to add another actual veteran to the Senate.
Oh and if Fetterman does not like him I’m sure not listening. He’s the pinnacle of hypocrisy.
"What we are owed is a government that answers to the people it serves." Susan Collins has proven over & over that she does not put citizens first. Platner has not yet had the chance. Also... let's do a deep scandal finding mission on Collins and post it for all to see. How she can be bought, paid off, enriched herself & her husband who was married when they got together. Is Platner perfect - obviously not. But are Democrats going to turn on him like they did Biden & Harris & Walz ..... if enough stories are spread & more expose's are written I guess they .....might.
I for one am PROUD to support one of the FEW candidates with enough backbone to speak out against an immoral g€n0cide, this insane war with Iran, and the corrupt oligarchy that is decimating America. Given the Epstein cesspool that is currently in power?? Come ON!! And I’ll take Graham over that AIPAC sellout, gen0c1de funding, baby killing Susan Collins EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK. So while they’re at it maybe they can investigate her next. Find out what makes these monstrously corrupt politicians keep voting to burn families alive in tents.
Thanks you for an excellent, fact based, informative and thoughtful piece. If I were a Maine resident it would truly help me decide how to cast my vote. As a citizen I appreciate the help in understanding the volatile situation which currently exists.
At least with Platner being exposed so publicly, hopefully in the end he could not be blackmailed for his many damning behaviors by the Trump administration to vote in favor of maga wishes. But a disturbed person could be quite unpredictable. I thought I read there was another male democrat running who looked pretty good?
Good post, thank you. I am not in Maine, so my opinion doesn't matter much, but I am a woman, which makes Platner a hard moral choice, but I'm also a brown immigrant living in 2026 America, which makes Collins a choice that could have me in a concentration camp someday (she just voted, again, to fund ICE as the most well funded paramilitary in the world, having as target, people like me).
So if I lived in Maine, this would be a survival choice for me.
I so appreciate your comment, thank you.
I am a Maine resident, a woman and I plan to vote for Graham. There are no perfect candidates. I’ve been to one of his town halls. He doesn’t take money from super pacs and I believe he has our best interest at heart. Susan Collins’ voting record is horrific and we cannot continue to allow her to follow and support the current administration’s agenda. Onward!
Well said.
I live in Maine and really appreciate your perspective. The struggle is real. My husband served in the Navy for 30+ years and Grahams behavior is disturbing. Hopefully that is behind him. It is sad when you have to vote for the lesser of two evils. Collins cannot remain in office!
What breaks my heart is we could have had a wonderful senator in Sara Gideon. No controversy or scandals, stood for everything Democrats champion. But here we are. We will support a lesser man and call him "flawed" but somehow couldn't support a superior woman. I'm just so sick of that happening over and over and over...
I’m not in Maine but I’m disturbed by the choices Mainers have. I am the daughter of immigrant parents & ancestors & my soul is in pain for every immigrant being jailed & deported.
The cruelty of this regime has been perpetuated by Senator Collins. She definitely needs to be removed.
Is there no other choice but this man who, by all accounts, is yet another misogynist with a creepy tattoo that somehow just happened to show up on his chest?
(BTW elaborate tattoos don’t just magically appear one drunken night. They take multiple visits to a tattoo parlor. It takes intention.)
How desperate have we Dems become to believe we have to vote for this type of person?
Signed, Californian here who was once convinced Swalwell was a good guy.
I’m not looking for purity in a candidate. I do want integrity from the people I give my vote to.
I hope everyone has learned no devotion to any politician—we all just want government that works. Well said
Thank you for this post. I am a Mainer and a lifelong Dem. I am seriously concerned about Platner and his dismissal of the intersection of race, gender, and economy. He frames everything in the binary of “have-and have-nots” and he seems to have very little awareness of the other forces and nuances that affect our daily lives. He has NO demonstrated leadership skills, nor a history that suggests to me that he can run a SENATE office. Yes, he is smart (ish) yes he “sort of” speaks to his past and some level of ownership. The fact that the argument always seems to go to “well, he’s better than Collins,” means little to me. It is the kind of dismissal that people have used to prop up mediocre white men for centuries. If this candidate were a woman or a POC, they would be OUT. We don’t forgive these groups the same way we forgive, laud, and support white men. Instead, we have more of the same old BS that we been suffering with for years. We are watching people prop up the flimsy tenets of patriarchy, just in a new form, and calling it our “best greatest hope.” Thank you for your analysis and for your statement about holding him accountable. This is a hard one. I KNOW that we need to flip the senate. I will be there watching, calling, writing, and advocating for Mainers every step of the way.
I'm a 59-year-old Maine woman and a strong supporter of Graham Platner. I volunteer for his campaign in several capacities, and I've attended five of his events in person, including the most recent one in Bar Harbor. I know many of his childhood friends and neighbors. I am so tired of people who don't live here and have not met Graham dissecting his past (which he acknowledges was problematic) while ignoring or glossing over his very well-reasoned, specific, detailed, progressive platform that really resonates with many of us Mainers. He knows Mainers, and he has specific plans to reverse the decline in the prosperity, happiness and health of hard-working people. He is building power for us in a way that very few politicians have done, and he has given me hope for the future of politics for the first time in my adult life.
Slade, I really value your input on most things, but I think you missed the mark on this one. Graham isn't a "best of the bad options" candidate, he's an outstanding choice, and is a man who has dedicated himself to being better every day. He has held 71 town halls so far in every part of our state. He answers EVERY question he gets, and he doesn't screen the questions beforehand. He really LISTENS to the people he meets, and truly wants to understand them.
In Graham's words, "If you believe in transformational politics... you have to believe in the ability of people to transform." I really think he is doing the work.
Appreciate your insider perspective. I believe he is going to win and I believe he will say true to his message. I just hope his darker angels don’t intensify with power.
I have spent time in Maine and I’ve got to know their people. They are tough, flinty , and above all honest. If they tell you something or want you to do something, they’re totally honest about it.
My best friend and neighbor is an ex marine. He had PTSD as well and after a rehab program involving horses, he was able to straighten out his life, marry the girl of his dreams, and return to work. He is of German extraction: his mother is German. She was alive during the Hitler era.
My friend is a humble man. He participates in men’s groups and his church. He is above all honest. I would not hesitate to call him and ask him to do something for me and I know that he would do it. He has not shared with me a lot of of his past as that was dealt with during his therapy. But given I’ve known other Service members with PTSD, it is not uncommon that he feels that way.
I’m also a disabled veteran. I have seen guys come back from battle who have dealt with it with alcohol and inappropriate behavior. That is not the proper escape, but it is an escape.
Comparing Swalwell to Graham Platner is apples and oranges. Swalwell showed repeated sexual harassment and non-consensual sex. Graham Platner on the other hand, had events in his past and served four tours as a marine serving his country. If I’m going to vote between the two, I will take Platner
every time. I have seen and heard him speak on social media as well as television. I saw his interview with Chris Hayes on MS NOW. My feeling is that he’s answered the questions truthfully and honestly. I feel he has an honest person and has a platform with which I mostly agree.
Then to address the former employee, I would question her response of resignation and going immediately to the press. An honorable person would confront the candidate and say I cannot work any longer in this environment and resign. Her response, smacks of political retribution.
We do need an ally in Maine. I think Platner knows that he’s under the microscope and will not make any other mistakes.
I also know that these events occurred in the past. A certain Mango Mussolini had a lot of events in his past and way worse and more numerous than Graham Platner. He was given redemption by his party and has continued his behaviors. Graham Platner has not. I support Graham Platner over Susan Collins any day of the week.
Thanks for being such an inspiration to me and to all your followers.
Thank you so much for this important perspective. I will treasure it.
Enough with the purity tests
Republicans engage in guerrilla warfare style campaigning. Thus far it seems like we have an actual redeemed man in Platner. Let’s stick with him, unless there’s real evidence to prove otherwise. Nice to add another actual veteran to the Senate.
Oh and if Fetterman does not like him I’m sure not listening. He’s the pinnacle of hypocrisy.
Yep that's ultimately my point. Think of this as a clarity test, not purity. None of us are without sin.
"What we are owed is a government that answers to the people it serves." Susan Collins has proven over & over that she does not put citizens first. Platner has not yet had the chance. Also... let's do a deep scandal finding mission on Collins and post it for all to see. How she can be bought, paid off, enriched herself & her husband who was married when they got together. Is Platner perfect - obviously not. But are Democrats going to turn on him like they did Biden & Harris & Walz ..... if enough stories are spread & more expose's are written I guess they .....might.
I for one am PROUD to support one of the FEW candidates with enough backbone to speak out against an immoral g€n0cide, this insane war with Iran, and the corrupt oligarchy that is decimating America. Given the Epstein cesspool that is currently in power?? Come ON!! And I’ll take Graham over that AIPAC sellout, gen0c1de funding, baby killing Susan Collins EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK. So while they’re at it maybe they can investigate her next. Find out what makes these monstrously corrupt politicians keep voting to burn families alive in tents.
Thanks you for an excellent, fact based, informative and thoughtful piece. If I were a Maine resident it would truly help me decide how to cast my vote. As a citizen I appreciate the help in understanding the volatile situation which currently exists.
Good article!!!!
🐍
At least with Platner being exposed so publicly, hopefully in the end he could not be blackmailed for his many damning behaviors by the Trump administration to vote in favor of maga wishes. But a disturbed person could be quite unpredictable. I thought I read there was another male democrat running who looked pretty good?