2025 & 2026 Elections | Blue Wave 2025 results

[heelinhell]

If the oyster farmer/veteran dude (Platner) hadn't made those offensive tweets then given the current political climate he would have been perfectly positioned to beat Mills in the Dem primary next year and beat Collins in the general - he was young, dynamic, a fresh face and clear "outsider", and a military vet, all of which would likely have had a powerful appeal over two aging and establishment pols. But since he basically eliminated himself (and rightfully so) then Democrats are yet again going to be stuck running an elderly (late 70s) Establishment pol against another Establishment pol, and her chances are likely no more than 50/50 at best. And Maine is a must-win state if Democrats are to have any chance of winning back the Senate next year. In fact, if Democrats can't start winning states like Maine their chances of ever retaking the Senate are iffy at best.

I'm not sure Platner has doomed his candidacy much less eliminated himself from the race. He leads Mills by 2pts in the latest Dem primary poll that came out two days ago. He continues to enjoy SRO crowds at his town halls.

My guess is there are not that many young progressives in Maine who have "rightfully eliminated" him from the race. He did a mea culpa and has brought the issue up at every town hall. I think Maine Dems and Mainers in general are more than willing to forgive what he said 10 years ago after coming back from the war.

The fact the leads the current Maine governor by 2 points today is kind of amazing. He is an unknown who never has held political office. I think the closeness of the polls is due to high name recognition of Governor Mills, and the fact that 3 other Dem candidates dropped out last week to endorse Mills. To me, that smacks of establishment Dem fear of Platner. The more Mainers become aware of Platner and his bio and policy proposals, that 2 pt margin may expand a few points before next year's primary. I think Mainers will embrace a redemption candidate.

Full disclosure I am from NC but contributes to the Platner campaign monthly. I follow his campaign and see he is getting huge crowds ( by Maine standards ) and is getting increasing small donor contributions despite the offensive tweets from 10 years ago for which he informs town hall attendees and makes continuing apologies.

 

[Mulberry Heel]

I'm not sure Platner has doomed his candidacy much less eliminated himself from the race. He leads Mills by 2pts in the latest Dem primary poll that came out two days ago. He continues to enjoy SRO crowds at his town halls.

My guess is there are not that many young progressives in Maine who have "rightfully eliminated" him from the race. He did a mea culpa and has brought the issue up at every town hall. I think Maine Dems and Mainers in general are more than willing to forgive what he said 10 years ago after coming back from the war.

The fact the leads the current Maine governor by 2 points today is kind of amazing. He is an unknown who never has held political office. I think the closeness of the polls is due to high name recognition of Governor Mills, and the fact that 3 other Dem candidates dropped out last week to endorse Mills. To me, that smacks of establishment Dem fear of Platner. The more Mainers become aware of Platner and his bio and policy proposals, that 2 pt margin may expand a few points before next year's primary. I think Mainers will embrace a redemption candidate.

Full disclosure I am from NC but contributes to the Platner campaign monthly. I follow his campaign and see he is getting huge crowds ( by Maine standards ) and is getting increasing small donor contributions despite the offensive tweets from 10 years ago for which he informs town hall attendees and makes continuing apologies.

I haven't really been following the race since his comments and posts were made public, so the fact that he's still in the running also proves my point about voters desperately looking for someone beyond the old-timers and establishment pols in nearly every state. I don't think it's all that surprising that a complete outsider like Platner is doing so well, as he is exactly what so many voters seem to be clamoring for now - someone who is not a part of the political establishment, a fresh face, younger, dynamic, who can connect to the average voter and what they're experiencing right now in this economy and low point in American history. Candidates like Platner (but hopefully without the personal controversies) would likely do well in Democratic primaries in almost any state right now, imo, especially if they are running against a status quo, aging establishment Democrat.