Democratic Voters Rally Behind Controversial Candidate Graham Platner
With the Democratic primary in Maine approaching, Graham Platner is expected to secure the nomination to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins. Despite being embroiled in a series of controversies, Platner continues to receive strong support from Democratic voters.
MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:
Graham Platner, known for his straightforward demeanor, is favored to win Tuesday’s Democratic primary. His candidacy, although marred by past controversies, hasn’t deterred his supporters. Maine Public’s Kevin Miller reports on the resilience of Platner’s campaign amidst these challenges.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
GRAHAM PLATNER: And since the beginning, Maine, you had my back.
(CHEERING)
KEVIN MILLER, BYLINE: On Friday, Graham Platner addressed a gathering in Bar Harbor, feeling at ease among his supporters. However, the day started with him addressing a New York Times article detailing past volatile relationships with several women. This was the second instance in a week where Platner’s past threatened his political ambitions to unseat Collins, a crucial target for Democrats aiming to reclaim the Senate.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
PLATNER: Now, as every single piece of that past and journey gets dug up, litigated and weaponized…
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Whoo.
(LAUGHTER)
PLATNER: …You have my back.
(CHEERING)
MILLER: Platner expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging how his “hurtful comments” had surfaced. He also spoke about his PTSD, a consequence of his combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite being a newcomer to the political scene just 10 months ago, Platner is likely to win Tuesday’s primary with a message that mixes populism with themes of redemption. He leads Collins in general election polls, emphasizing a narrative of personal growth and change.
GLENON FRIEDMANN: The scandals of policy in our country are much bigger than the personal problems that he and his family are working out.
MILLER: In Bar Harbor, voter Glenon Friedmann, 66, identified larger societal issues, such as food insecurity, as the real scandals, downplaying Platner’s personal history. Barbara Reeve also expressed understanding for Platner’s admissions of past mistakes.
BARBARA REEVE: Yes, of course, the actions are despicable that he’s admitted to. But we all make our mistakes, and those of us who are mature learn from them. And that’s what I believe Graham has done.
MILLER: Although many Democrats seem prepared to forgive, some are still hesitant. Certain voters remain loyal to Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign, while others are considering David Costello. Nevertheless, Platner’s campaign shows remarkable resilience. Debbie Brinkworth, a teacher, feels Platner’s past issues are “juvenile.”
DEBBIE BRINKWORTH: But I am a teacher, and frankly, I have had equal to or worse and watched them grow up and given them the grace to grow up and become wonderful people. And I don’t approve of some of what he’s done, but he has my vote.
MILLER: Ray Hearne, 82, acknowledges Platner’s past missteps but values his focus on issues affecting working people, such as Medicare for all.
RAY HEARNE: These very progressive views, to me, are far more important than his past difficulties or indiscretions. And there are far worse ones going on in Washington. We read about them all the time.
MILLER: If Platner wins on Tuesday, Maine voters can expect Republicans to scrutinize his past further as the battle for Senate control unfolds in Maine.
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