This time last year the U.S. Senate race in Maine looked tame and uninteresting. Longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins had a shot at reelection, likely against mainstream Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, the liberal but rational two-term governor of a state proud of its political independence despite a blue lean. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Shumer handpicked her for electability in what many described as a tossup race.
Enter Graham Platner.
The 41-year-old Platner is quite a different sort of candidate than Mills. Endorsed and heavily supported by Bernie Sanders, Platner surged in the polls and Mills eventually suspended her campaign.
From the beginning, Platner characterized himself as a brash progressive populist, more than willing to attack Republicans, centrists, and moderate Democrats alike with harsh and vulgar language and rhetoric. A self-described socialist, Platner is heavily critical of the United States military and defense-industrial complex, declaring his campaign as the first step in a fight against “the oligarchy” among other things.
Unfortunately, such radicalism has become all too common among the Democrats, the party of Palestine protests and social revolution. But these left-wing stances became secondary issues when the real controversies came to light.
First, and most noticeably, it was revealed that Platner had a Nazi SS tattoo, called a Totenkopf, on his chest. He first claimed he got the tattoo without knowing its meaning, a denial countered by two former friends who claim he called it, “My Totenkopf.”
Next, old social media posts, in which he wished harm on fellow veterans, were uncovered.
Stories of personal wrongdoings then emerged. Platner is alleged to have sent multiple women sexual messages during his marriage. The New York Times recently reported the stories of several women detailing his “unsettling” behavior towards them.
How was Platner punished for these scandals by Democratic primary voters? Was he asked to drop out, denied endorsements, and investigated by the party?
No, he actually raised more than $200,000 in cross-country donations after these allegations broke and as of this writing maintains a slim polling lead over Susan Collins.
Less than a decade ago, here in Alabama, Democrat Doug Jones won a senate seat against the scandal-ridden Republican Roy Moore, as many Republicans sat out the election on principle. However, it appears the Democrats have no such qualms in putting forth absolute radicals, and the Democratic establishment has apparently no desire but to cave to their whims.
The party that once prided itself as the party of the working man has transformed into one that advocates for a complete and utter rebalancing of American society based on race, class and sex. The party of Bill Clinton has become the party of Mamdani.
It is therefore more imperative than ever that Republicans offer a competent and convincing governing framework to win the midterms and beyond. If this wave of progressives ever gain power, there will be no limits on their destructive vision from within their party, from the grassroots voter or old liberal establishment. When the opposing party offers destruction, whether it be of traditional norms or economic hierarchy, we must offer constructive solutions that preserve what is worth preserving of this great nation.
The speeches of these new socialists talk much about tearing down the system and starting over. Thus, a winning Republican party must be the party of builders, doers, and people who create. We must be the party of people who believe in the institutions and values that have kept America for 250 years, and in doing so, offer up a shining contrast to the negativity and jealousy present on our left.
Whether JD Vance, Marco Rubio, or someone else is our standard bearer in 2028 or beyond, we on the right must be above all united despite differences of tone and personality. We must offer honest and commonsense solutions that conserve the culture and country we love, because on the other side of the aisle the radicals are fully in the driver’s seat.
Henry Vaughan is longtime resident of Auburn, Ala. His chief interests are Alabama politics, religion, and foreign policy.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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