Maine Voters React to Graham Platner

During a segment on CNN’s “Inside Politics,” national correspondent John King conveyed that voters in Maine are eager for Graham Platner to “stay quiet” and “disappear.”

Host Dana Bash remarked on King’s recent visits to Maine, particularly focusing on female voters who had already been skeptical of Platner. She asked, “What are they saying now that Platner’s situation has deteriorated?”

King responded, “They want him to, well, keep quiet, for lack of a better phrase. The ejection video he released, in which he portrayed himself as a victim, did not sit well with them. That’s part of the issue—it seems his supporters, like those from the Bernie Sanders camp and the labor union backing him, are still trying to push their narrative.”

He added, “While this might matter to some progressives, it’s quite bothersome for those who either did not support him or who reluctantly did, now wanting to distance themselves from not just him but the whole situation. As we enter this two-week period to find a successor, many Maine Democrats are feeling uneasy. And, as you mentioned, this was supposed to be their prime opportunity to flip a Republican-held Senate seat—specifically from Susan Collins. Now, they’re concerned that this internal struggle will hinder their chances.” King continued, “Are you suggesting they can’t win? Remember, Joe Biden took the state by nine points, yet we both know Collins was also on the ballot then and was re-elected.”

“Democrats are anxious because she has a track record of winning even in tough scenarios—2020 was unexpectedly favorable for Democrats, yet Collins prevailed. Senior party members understand her competitiveness. I’m worried that if we see another internal clash for the Democratic nomination, some supporters may choose to stay home in November. Maine needs a solid candidate, and those who had doubts about Platner wish he would just step back and let the process unfold.”