The more we learn about his rise and fall, it’s clear he was swooped up by outside consultants, disdainful of "the establishment,” who chose him like they were casting a role, with little vetting.
I have heard a couple times that Platner and Abdul El-Sayed share the same consultants. If that's true, and Platner's consultants are hucksters, what does that say about El-Sayed's campaign? And am I pinning my hopes on the wrong candidate? If it's El-Sayed against Haley Stevens how can I even vote for Stevens?!?!?!? Everything fucking SUX!!! (NOTE: I did a little more digging and it looks like El-Sayed is not directly connected to Dan Moraff. Of course, they doesn't mean everything DOESN'T suck (smirk))
Not disappointing for me. I thought I supported her. Then she gave that interview to The Jewish Insider where she compared Hasan Piker to Nick Fuentes in order to harm El-Sayed. Then she showed up to the nominating convention and was incredibly disruptive with her marching band in tow while she carried around a giant poster of her face. It was tone deaf and cringeworthy. But she had already lost my vote with that disingenuous interview anyway. Add to that: her husband is "a Vice President at Radiant Nuclear, a startup developing small nuclear reactors to help supply energy to data centers". I no longer trust her. That part sucks considering she and I live in the same city. (shrug)
I agree with you. It's something I'm really going to have to remember if Haley Stevens wins the primary. But yes, I agree that in the end we HAVE to vote blue. Thank you....I need this reminder often!!
Black People told you progressives this man was a problem from the beginning. A Nazi tattoo was the first red flag but y'all didn't listen. Now look where you are!!!!
How does this add, in any way, to the discussion? Note Maine is about 1.8% Black, I’d be willing to bet that black people may be heard, but are not likely to be listened to in a state that is 98.2% Platner had “better” political consultants. And by “better,” I mean he had political consultants.
He wasn't running for a state seat, he was running for a NATIONAL seat in Congress, Ian, so his racism DOES matter. Also, what difference does the demographics of Maine make when progressives supposedly care about the well-being of ALL citizens of this country, as a matter of principle. What I find interesting is how quick you are to minimize and dismiss that. Goes to show the hypocrisy and internal moral conflict that exists among white progressives.
On that last point you and I agree 😁 As a Black woman, I don't believe just any Black women should be running everything because not all skinfolk are kinfolk and God forbid we up with a Candace Owens type figure operating levers of power) but generally speaking, yes, I do believe we'd be in a FAR better place as a country if folks listened to Black women.
What really dismays me are those who gave Graham Platner a pass for voluntarily fighting in Iraq multiple times and joined Blackwater later on. Not to mention the same people glossing this over were grown-ass adults during the so-called war on terror when they knew about the horrible shit war horny servicemembers and mercenaries were doing in the middle east. The Nazi tattoo and sexual assaults were definitely not surprising given how trigger happy he was in willingly killing Iraqi civilians.
This is the narrative one hears from cynical people who claim politicians are all the same and that's why they don't vote. It makes it hard to argue with them.
It's a hot mess, that's for sure. I think that there are many viable options for Platner's replacement. The goal is to defeat Susan Collins, so Democrats should not forget that.
Graham Platner is that charming reformed methhead you met at an AA meeting and then he moved into your garage in exchange for mowing the lawn, but never did.
They know the Repukes will dig and dig until they find some dirt on a Dem candidate. Yet nobody bats an eye at the criminality of the GOP, and the Degenerate-in-chief.
just a fantastic post Mike! well done, and the details from Mike Elk is just jaw-dropping. just a heads up, his name is misspelled in the piece: his last name has an "l" not an i. just FYI! Mike Elk tells me you are driving tons of traffic to his site which is fantastic! that's how it's done.
It's Schumer's fault that they wanted to run a woman who had actually won in Maine, who had legislative experience and who -- when verbally attacked by Trump at an NGA dinner -- said without missing a beat "We'll see you in court."?
Grow up. You didn't want Janet Mills so be it -- but she has more backbone than most of the Senate and she gets things done.
And all of you wanted the Instagram candidate in the plaid shirt and not some boring state rep who actually would know what they were doing.
As we learned from Kamala, these guy voters like the manly men, and hesitate voting for a woman. And women don’t have past scandals. We seem to all like the Eric Swalwell type. Can we learn from this?
We need door knockers. The deck is stacked. GOTV for our state legislators!
Not a WSJ subscriber so your reporting on Platner’s campaign team was very informative and illuminating!!! Understanding more now that Katz was successful with Zohran Mamdani because of Mamdani himself. Not manufactured, and a 6 year NY Assemblyman with legislative knowledge and principles who understands social media and worked it as part of his campaign. Sorry for all the “ands.”
Wait, now establishment Democrats are better judges than outside groups? Gee its so hard to tell who our enemies are these days. Just heard Hartmann saying the lower turnout in 2024 was because of anger at Biden and Harris supporting Israel. I don't see the disaster we have now is worth that little exercise in self righteousness. Just like the response to Hillary's candidacy letting Trump pick SCOTUS to show displeasure by voting for Stein. I don't see America coming out on the winning end with this kind of political ignorance. I have been thinking nonvoters need to pay reparations to Hillary and Harris voters who voted to stop this fucking disaster. I don't know where the misguided belief this can cleaned up when the left is so unreliable at the polls. That's the same blind faith as God saving us all for being good.
They covered up the women he was trying to be involved with after he married, just a few years ago. That alone should have stopped them supporting him. There are real democrats in Maine. They choose a fake one.
While I find this information vile and horrifying (and thank you Michelangelo, for exposing it and educating us), I am sharply reminded that it is ultimately up to each one of us to do some homework on all kinds of things before we just "believe what we see and then see what we believe". I am just as susceptible to media and manipulation, and with the constant barrage of images and info it is easy to just say "oh, so and so says this person is good and I like so and so". That is how MAGA was formed and continues to "function". For me it's a start reminder that I need to spend at least minimal time digging into credible sources, even if they don't always reflect my views, before I get on board with things.
Looked more into Debbie Medina. Her son spiraled into drug use, and is now serving life in prison for murder in PA. He was spared the death penalty after Medina testified about hitting him with a belt at his trial. She regretted it—but how did she not think this would come up?
We’re stuck with one of these unqualified candidates just like you’re talking about. The Republicon opponent is all ready.
Same endorsers, like Bernie Sanders and Warren, and constant hourly TV ads about the endorsements for the primary, which is why he won. When voters found out about the scandals, they questioned the endorsements. What is this?
Not to mention Graham Platners so-called working class roots were as phony as Bob Ritchie's.
I have heard a couple times that Platner and Abdul El-Sayed share the same consultants. If that's true, and Platner's consultants are hucksters, what does that say about El-Sayed's campaign? And am I pinning my hopes on the wrong candidate? If it's El-Sayed against Haley Stevens how can I even vote for Stevens?!?!?!? Everything fucking SUX!!! (NOTE: I did a little more digging and it looks like El-Sayed is not directly connected to Dan Moraff. Of course, they doesn't mean everything DOESN'T suck (smirk))
I can’t find that they share the same people, though they share one particular firm that one of these people is associated with.
Uuuuuugggggghhhhhh. I'll be over here in the corner rocking back and forth.
The DSA has now sent out a letter demanding all candidates, including El-Sayed, stop using the the firm.
THIS IS GOOD NEWS!!!
Honestly, it’s really the one guy leading this--Moraff--and he was not associated at all with El Sayed. now this has popped up on him.
https://paydayreport.com/platners-daniel-moraff-barred-from-summer-lees-campaign-over-sexual-misconduct-complaints/
Ugh, these predatory people! I'm very happy that El-Sayed isn't involved with him!
Mallory McMorrow (a great candidate) had to drop out; very disappointing.
Not disappointing for me. I thought I supported her. Then she gave that interview to The Jewish Insider where she compared Hasan Piker to Nick Fuentes in order to harm El-Sayed. Then she showed up to the nominating convention and was incredibly disruptive with her marching band in tow while she carried around a giant poster of her face. It was tone deaf and cringeworthy. But she had already lost my vote with that disingenuous interview anyway. Add to that: her husband is "a Vice President at Radiant Nuclear, a startup developing small nuclear reactors to help supply energy to data centers". I no longer trust her. That part sucks considering she and I live in the same city. (shrug)
Thanks for this info Daya. However IMO it’s always vote blue, no matter who.
I agree with you. It's something I'm really going to have to remember if Haley Stevens wins the primary. But yes, I agree that in the end we HAVE to vote blue. Thank you....I need this reminder often!!
Exactly; no matter who wins the Dem senate primary in Michigan, we support the candidate. This republiCON nightmare needs to end.
Oh yeah-everything sucks.
I was hoping you'd talk me out of that feeling. (sigh)
Black People told you progressives this man was a problem from the beginning. A Nazi tattoo was the first red flag but y'all didn't listen. Now look where you are!!!!
This.
So quick to listen to endorsements and maga-like ads. Looks like they got our number. (I have a comment below).
Nicole, it's very telling that it was everything else, not the anti-Black racism, that tore it for white folks 😏
Exactly!
How does this add, in any way, to the discussion? Note Maine is about 1.8% Black, I’d be willing to bet that black people may be heard, but are not likely to be listened to in a state that is 98.2% Platner had “better” political consultants. And by “better,” I mean he had political consultants.
He wasn't running for a state seat, he was running for a NATIONAL seat in Congress, Ian, so his racism DOES matter. Also, what difference does the demographics of Maine make when progressives supposedly care about the well-being of ALL citizens of this country, as a matter of principle. What I find interesting is how quick you are to minimize and dismiss that. Goes to show the hypocrisy and internal moral conflict that exists among white progressives.
I get that, but elected by whom? Mainers. And Mainers are 98.2% white. As part of a Congress that represents all Americans, supposedly.
I was playing Devil’s Advocate. I believe black women should run everything, personally. We would be in much better shape.
On that last point you and I agree 😁 As a Black woman, I don't believe just any Black women should be running everything because not all skinfolk are kinfolk and God forbid we up with a Candace Owens type figure operating levers of power) but generally speaking, yes, I do believe we'd be in a FAR better place as a country if folks listened to Black women.
A Nazi in the Democratic Party would have had national implications. So yes it adds to the discussion. It speaks to the values of the party.
What is the current state of the Maine Senate race at this present moment?
What really dismays me are those who gave Graham Platner a pass for voluntarily fighting in Iraq multiple times and joined Blackwater later on. Not to mention the same people glossing this over were grown-ass adults during the so-called war on terror when they knew about the horrible shit war horny servicemembers and mercenaries were doing in the middle east. The Nazi tattoo and sexual assaults were definitely not surprising given how trigger happy he was in willingly killing Iraqi civilians.
This is the narrative one hears from cynical people who claim politicians are all the same and that's why they don't vote. It makes it hard to argue with them.
It's a hot mess, that's for sure. I think that there are many viable options for Platner's replacement. The goal is to defeat Susan Collins, so Democrats should not forget that.
First and foremost, Sakina. That woman has got to go; arguably the biggest phony, elitist hypocrite in the senate.
Graham Platner is that charming reformed methhead you met at an AA meeting and then he moved into your garage in exchange for mowing the lawn, but never did.
A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf...what sort of vetting did they do that didn't catch this sooner?
They know the Repukes will dig and dig until they find some dirt on a Dem candidate. Yet nobody bats an eye at the criminality of the GOP, and the Degenerate-in-chief.
Actually a lot of us do.
Which is why we don't vote for Republicans.
This isn't about the Republicans. This is about Progressives choosing a candidate based on skin color and aesthetic.
Well, have you seen Platner's beard?
Skin color and aesthetics
just a fantastic post Mike! well done, and the details from Mike Elk is just jaw-dropping. just a heads up, his name is misspelled in the piece: his last name has an "l" not an i. just FYI! Mike Elk tells me you are driving tons of traffic to his site which is fantastic! that's how it's done.
thanks, and corrected!
you're a rock star! thanks Mike. really such an important piece that I want to read again lol.
"It's Chuck Schumer's fault."
It's Schumer's fault that they wanted to run a woman who had actually won in Maine, who had legislative experience and who -- when verbally attacked by Trump at an NGA dinner -- said without missing a beat "We'll see you in court."?
Grow up. You didn't want Janet Mills so be it -- but she has more backbone than most of the Senate and she gets things done.
And all of you wanted the Instagram candidate in the plaid shirt and not some boring state rep who actually would know what they were doing.
Well said! At least you get a new candidate.
As we learned from Kamala, these guy voters like the manly men, and hesitate voting for a woman. And women don’t have past scandals. We seem to all like the Eric Swalwell type. Can we learn from this?
We need door knockers. The deck is stacked. GOTV for our state legislators!
Doesn't (didn't) Swalwell also have a beard? I am seeing a theme ;-)
Not a WSJ subscriber so your reporting on Platner’s campaign team was very informative and illuminating!!! Understanding more now that Katz was successful with Zohran Mamdani because of Mamdani himself. Not manufactured, and a 6 year NY Assemblyman with legislative knowledge and principles who understands social media and worked it as part of his campaign. Sorry for all the “ands.”
Wait, now establishment Democrats are better judges than outside groups? Gee its so hard to tell who our enemies are these days. Just heard Hartmann saying the lower turnout in 2024 was because of anger at Biden and Harris supporting Israel. I don't see the disaster we have now is worth that little exercise in self righteousness. Just like the response to Hillary's candidacy letting Trump pick SCOTUS to show displeasure by voting for Stein. I don't see America coming out on the winning end with this kind of political ignorance. I have been thinking nonvoters need to pay reparations to Hillary and Harris voters who voted to stop this fucking disaster. I don't know where the misguided belief this can cleaned up when the left is so unreliable at the polls. That's the same blind faith as God saving us all for being good.
They covered up the women he was trying to be involved with after he married, just a few years ago. That alone should have stopped them supporting him. There are real democrats in Maine. They choose a fake one.
While I find this information vile and horrifying (and thank you Michelangelo, for exposing it and educating us), I am sharply reminded that it is ultimately up to each one of us to do some homework on all kinds of things before we just "believe what we see and then see what we believe". I am just as susceptible to media and manipulation, and with the constant barrage of images and info it is easy to just say "oh, so and so says this person is good and I like so and so". That is how MAGA was formed and continues to "function". For me it's a start reminder that I need to spend at least minimal time digging into credible sources, even if they don't always reflect my views, before I get on board with things.
Looked more into Debbie Medina. Her son spiraled into drug use, and is now serving life in prison for murder in PA. He was spared the death penalty after Medina testified about hitting him with a belt at his trial. She regretted it—but how did she not think this would come up?
https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160712/williamsburg/brooklyn-senate-candidate-admits-she-beat-son-serving-life-for-child-murder/
https://nypost.com/2016/07/18/state-senate-candidate-admits-she-beat-son-who-went-on-to-kill/
We’re stuck with one of these unqualified candidates just like you’re talking about. The Republicon opponent is all ready.
Same endorsers, like Bernie Sanders and Warren, and constant hourly TV ads about the endorsements for the primary, which is why he won. When voters found out about the scandals, they questioned the endorsements. What is this?