Obama was a great president until his last two years, when he squandered opportunities he had to appoint Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court during a congressional recess. He also began to sound like a run-of-the-mill Democrat, trying to please both sides.
I often imagine how much better life would be for Americans if Hillary Clinton had become president in 2016. Yes, she made some mistakes in her campaign, but the misogynists on both left and right were out to get her. I had some reservations about her, but she is terrifically intelligent, she supports women’s rights, she was incredibly experienced, and I believe she would’ve made a good president. Don’t forget that she got 3 million more votes in the popular vote. Citizens United was a reaction to her rise and this is why it now costs millions to get elected to any office today. We need to get rid of both the Electoral College and overturn Citizens United.
As for Graham Platner, I am very deeply disappointed in him. I love his clear and direct message, which is what I think Americans need and what he believes in. For a while, I tried to explain away his behavior as a veteran with PTSD and hoped he had resolved his anger issues, but I cannot get past this latest accusation of sexual assault, from a former girlfriend. I think he must withdraw from the race.
Additionally, I don’t understand how Graham Platner himself or the Democrats who supposedly vetted him (someone who, I’ve read, also vetted John Fetterman?) didn’t think that his history of abusing women wouldn’t come out. How stupid can they have been? Why couldn’t they have found another progressive without this past to run against Collins? I fear it’s too late now. We’ll have to put up with this evil simpering bitch for another 4 years.
In a court of law, of course that is the case. In the court of public opinion, the evidence does not have to be quite so resilient. In this case, there are records going back to the initial event on text messages and emails. So it is a little bit more than he said she said. The last thing we want, is for even more substantial evidence to come out right before the general election. I do hope the people of Maine can come up with a good candidate to replace him quickly.
I was wondering the same thing as Gail and I was a victim of sexual assault so usually believe the woman. In this case, it just seemed like there were so many people on both sides of the aisle who didn't want Platner to continue his campaign that it seemed like it might be a set up. Thank you for clarifying about the text messages and emails going back to that event. Did the ex-girlfriend provide those to the public?
Politico reviewed the emails with her therapist. She also had msgs warning another woman about him. When you combine this with the other accusations of sexual impropriety and physicality, it is hard to support him. I wasn’t able to post the link to the article due to reply rules, but you can search for. It.
It still amazes me how a person's sins get hidden until they run for office. Then all the knives come out. Repubs have no problem with their President being a multiple sinner. Is it possible a jilted girlfriend is doing this as retribution for a bad relationship. Did she wait 5 years to expose this? Every candidate has to fear that someone with whom they had a toxic relationship shows up.
I am with you on all points. I think the Senate race in Maine on the Democratic side is going to come down to two men: Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah. We would be in good hands with either of them. Both want Medicare for All. Both want to tax gazillionaires. Both want to stop the Iran war and invest in our needs here at home. Both of them want the ICE raids to stop and to protect our immigrant communities. Troy Jackson is most likely to appeal to Platner voters, and he was Bernie's pick for the gubernatorial primary. Nirav Shah has serious federal government chops as well as a reputation in the state -- he was the state CDC guy during the pandemic. People know they can trust him, not just because of his history here, but because the guy has a high-level security clearance, and you can't get one of those with any skeletons in your closet. We will see what happens over the next few days. Both men are starting Senatorial exploratory committees. They are fresh off the campaign trail for the governorship, so they are in form to start. Either one of them could hit the ground running.
I didn’t think there was another Democrat to be considered the nominee, much less two. How would that work? Would Maine hold another Democratic primary if they both decide to run? Or were they in the first primary?
Apparently there is a process that gives the state party the ability to put forward a new candidate. They are promising a transparent process, with debates and town halls, and probably a state party caucus. We don't have enough time for a new, full blown primary election, unfortunately.
Shah and Jackson are known quantities in this state, both ran for governor. While Shah got the most first-choice votes, we have ranked choice voting up here, so when all the rounds of counting were done, the person with the most votes overall, ie.e. the consensus candidate was Hannah Pingree. So Shah is available. He was the CDC director up here through the pandemic. He is known and trusted. Same with Jackson, a former state Senate president and an outspoken champion of labor who had no problems taking on a very nasty Republican governor. He's got the grit to stand up to Trump and his Congressional enablers. Both men are in their 50s, plenty vigorous for the rigors of Senate sessions.
WOW. Shaming someone who BELIEVES a woman?! She has people who can corroborate her detailed account of the sexual assault, including her therapist, who she still works with. And FYI, I have had the exact same experience as Platner's accuser. I was sexually assaulted by a guy who I was seeing off and on. He came over drunk, wouldn't take no for an answer and overpowered me. It was NOT a consensual encounter. Her story resonated with me. I donated to Graham Platner's campaign, twice. I believe this woman's account of what really happened. Platner has talked at length about his struggle with drugs and alcohol. He may not even remember it, but she sure will, forever. Just like I do.
And I have had the experience of a man who was told in no uncertain terms that he was not wanted at my place show up and try to open my kitchen door just as I was locking it for the night. Racicot's story resonates with me as well. I wish I could forget, but I never will.
I like cliff walks as much as the next thrill-seeker, but I draw the line at walking a knife-edged rock scree.
Your comment hurt me and I couldn't sleep last night. I am an SA survivor and almost lost my soul mate because of a lying, jealous woman who wanted him for herself. You bought an unsubstantiated rape accusation without a scintilla of evidence.
I can't tell you how disappointed I am in you. No proof, no trial, convicted in the court of public opinion without proof. Discussions with her therapist and text messages are hearsay. I respected you until now.
There is some evidence which is why it is more serious this time. Contemporaneous emails and text messages verifying her accusations. As for your accusation that she did not go to the hospital, anyone who follows this issue knows many women do not do so, even after a violent rape by a stranger due to shame and fear. The court of public opinion matters a lot in an election and we cannot afford to lose this general election. I think many of us who read these comments are disappointed in you for jumping on Earl so easily and quickly when it is quite clear that he is one of our best warriors.
Except that there IS evidence! I didn't want to believe any of this. I donated to Platner's campaign early on, twice, but after doing a lot of digging, I absolutely believe her account of the sexual assault. Her therapist, who she still works with, has corroborated everything she has said. A boyfriend she was seeing after her relationship with Platner ended has also come forward and corroborated everything she said. It's disappointing, but calling people liars is uncalled for on this Substack page. Really.
Disagree... Obama only looks like a great president because of the competition. I will give you that he is the greatest president of the 21st century so far, but only because the others were either weak (Biden) or absolutely terrible (W BUSH and TRUMP). Obama told us who he was in the primaries when he said he was a blank slate. He went back on his promise to only use public funds, and did nothing to stop the misogynistic attacks on Hilary. He is soley responsible for TRUMP being elected in the first place.
I was also disappointed that Obama relented on his promise not to use public funds, but in 2008 not many candidates dared to think they could be elected without corporate or PAC money. Has any presidential candidate been elected without big money? We are a huge country. It might’ve been impossible for him to win any other way.
As for your claim that Obama was solely responsible for Hillary’s defeat in 2016, well, I can’t agree with that.
Thanks for the clarification. I was reading up on Troy Jackson. You’re right, he does seem to be the candidate who would appeal most to Graham Platner supporters. What about Hannah Pingree? Is she going to stay in the race?
Too convenient that all these years old accusations are coming out now, I think both parties are scared he might win and the Establishment loses a reliable AIPAC supporter
This has been my concern since the initial accusation by a women employed by the Heritage Foundation who supported Kavanaugh despite the accusations against him. It is entirely TOO convenient and reminiscent of Nixon-era ratfckers. The rush to instant judgement does not serve truth or justice, but seems to play both effectively in headlines, given the response in increasing demands he end his campaign. If this accusation is true, Platner should step aside and face justice, but the demand he step aside preceded any assessment of the accusation's truth. Queen of Hearts logic prevails to our collective peril.
As a woman, this backlash against Platner feels performative, like so many men (and women) who didn't believe victims before are suddenly trying to make up for that (and assuage their guilt) by instantly crediting any accusation while discrediting the accused. It's nothing but the reverse of what used to happen - "believe him not her". Now it's "believe her not him". The backlash to it is already feeding misogyny and toxic masculinity.
How about we start trusting facts, which take time to reveal, instead of allowing knee jerk reactions to drive the narrative? Or would that be too much of a burden for people who've been trained to be accustomed to instant gratification?
After reading more and more about this woman's encounter with Platner, the more it rang true, especially since she has several people corroborating what she has said, including her therapist who she still works with. She's risking a lot coming forward. I had the exact same thing happen to me years ago with a man I was dating off and on. I never spoke up. I wish I had. Just FYI: I donated to Platner's campaign twice.
Unfortunately, everything takes too long. It takes too long to get the facts before passing judgement, it takes too long to count and tabulate the votes after an election, it takes too long for the wheels of justice to turn and trials, when they do finally occur, are never final without appeal after appeal, and maybe 5 years later, a verdict is finally given and no more appeals allowed. It takes too long to cook up a good meal, so we eat fast food garbage. And Dammit, it takes too long to watch a baseball game!
I was convinced that these allegations against Platner were false, writing them off as establishment politicians having people do their dirty work, until I dug a little deeper. I had almost the exact same experience as this woman had, and it really hit home. I was dating a guy off and on for awhile and one night he showed up to my house, drunk off his ass. I let him into my house, because I didn't want him driving and possibly injuring someone, or worse. He kept pawing at me and wouldn't take no for an answer. I said NO and tried to physically get him off of me. It was not a consensual encounter. Afterwards, I locked myself in another bedroom. The next morning he was gone. I saw him a couple of weeks later and he had no recollection of that night, but it has haunted me since and caused me to distrust most men. I never told anyone except for my best friend. It was humiliatng. So, after reading more about it, I believe her.
That's exactly the kind of information I need to see in order to form an informed opinion rather than respond knee jerkingly. The first accuser I'm aware of wasn't credible in the same way - too well connected to the GOP/Heritage Foundation and no corroborating evidence I saw. As details emerge from this one, Platner comes across as more and more likely to be guilty. And that means his campaign should end. And the Dems need to work on vetting their candidates better! The last thing we need is progressives eliminated by skeletons in their closets after they're showing promise in primaries. As for Platner, he should have known this was possible and not run at all.
When I read her account of what happened, it sent shivers down my spine. I can't help but wonder if Platner's memory of it is different because he was highly intoxicated. It's a sad situation, all around.
Very true, totally sad. And I'm sure you are correct, he remembers it quite differently, assuming he remembers it at all being so intoxicated at the time. But that's no excuse, because he chose to drink that much. He's responsible for that, and everything that followed. And he's responsible for leaving Maine Dems in this fix, unless he has no memory at all of these events. In which case, the problem takes on an equally troubling, but different shape.
Maybe. But there are too many credible allegations that Platner abused women. Idgaf, if Collins wins against a sexual predator. Women are TIRED and DISGUSTED by men who abuse women being elected to office regardless of party.
Too many credible? I'm aware of two, one of which I do not find credible at present as noted in my comment. As for the new one, I am still awaiting facts before I form an opinion.
Agree, he said, she said, did not stop Kauvanaugh from getting confirmed though the charge was not rape. Did not stop Trump from getting elected, so maybe he can prevail. Time for Collins to retire.
I'm from the other corner of the United States, Washington state. We have pretty consistently progressive views here. My question for Mainers is: If you distrust corporate Democrats, why do you keep re-electing a Republican who doesn't stand for anything, except to express her "concerns" before voting with Trump most of the time? She is a national joke! And her husband is an arms lobbyist. So what's the deal?
We do have two pretty establishment Democrats in the Senate, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. Even so, I seldom have to call them because I know they will advocate for the kind of policies I want, and will stand up to Trump. Patty Murray has particularly done an admirable job, and I wouldn't mind seeing her as minority leader.
I'm a Native Washingtonian who teleported to Southern California 5 years ago and I really miss being able to contact Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray (I always voted for these two!) and actually getting a response! I traveled to Washington DC in 2015 and received a tour of the Capitol Building with Maria Cantwell and she was lovely. Both of those women work hard for Washingtonians.😎👍🇺🇲
Part of it is that this is a very rural state. Blue along the coast and around enclaves in the lake areas, and red almost everywhere else. Far north Maine is pretty red, which explains why Jared Golden has voted the way he does. Collins has a good PR team, I guess.
I had supported Platner and hoped he was the real thing. Unfortunately the baggage is enough to either take him down now or in the general because Collins will be ready (as she has handily defeated other Dems over what feels to be a millenia).
That fact is, corporate Dems like Schumer who take AIPAC money are not working for the middle class. They have NO fight and will not take hard stands. I will never forgive Gillibrand for her takedown of Al Franken. There has been no court of law determining guilt: but in politics that never seems to matter. Look at this White House.
Circular firing squad or shooting ourselves in the foot, it’s the same and we may have lost the senate because of it.
I was thinking about Al Franken as well. That was unbelievable how Gillibrand used her position to take down a really good and productive Senator. So many times people just pile on to something they have no real information on and just go with the crowd that is shouting the loudest.
As you said Earl, this is the voters of Maines decision to make. I will say that as a SA survivor myself, I do question the timing of these allegations against Platner.
I spent time working with SA victims in my 30s and 40s because of my own experience, and can tell you truthfully that there are women who are not truthful sometimes about the SA. There are some who either make it up to try and hurt a man or they don't tell the whole truth of the situation that happened.
As much as I do believe we should always listen to women and girls when they do speak up and want to bring charges, it is important to get a lot of information and proof of their allegations. We are all supposed to be innocent before facts and proof prove otherwise.
I've been told these women didn't speak up out of fear for their safety or not being believed, yet these women who have spoken up about Platner don't seem to be concerned with the safety or fear of being believed now. When I got out of the hospital after my attack I went full bore into trying to find the man who jumped into my car and forced me to drive to a deserted area where he beat and raped me. I was 16 years old and wanted him found and prosecuted. There wasn't enough physical evidence, hair, blood, etc to find him.
I tell you this because it seems to me our politics have become so ugly and full of lies and innuendo to destroy people to keep them from office. Platner certainly made some terrible choices when he was younger, but did seek help for his PTSD and drinking problems. He tried to make himself a better man, and yet there are those who refuse to look at him now and only want to see his past mistakes.
Again, it is the people of Maine who need to make this judgment about Mr. Platner.
I appreciate your comment Annie. I've been through a lot in my 72 years and have learned that many times we need to take a breath and stop and consider some of the things that we hear, especially when it comes to accusations like this.
When I worked with women who had experienced SA, I learned so much about how sometimes people are not completely honest about the situations that happened and that they are just trying to make sense of their own decisions that led to the situation. I do believe we should always take these situations seriously and help the woman work through the traumatic experience.
Rhonda, with age and experience, we hopefully learn to pause before jumping on the accusation bandwagon. NYT is all over it as is every other major news outlet. He is crucified in the court of public opinion and his chances for this election are likely over.
I'm 71. Right around this time, 47 years ago, I was raped by an acquaintance. He was quite a bit older than I was at the time and was the manager/bartender at a local place. I'd had too much to drink and so had he when we began kissing. Then he forced himself on me in a way I'd never experienced before. I told him "NO" repeatedly, tried to physically stop him and expected he'd stop. He didn't. Afterwards I asked him why he raped me and he said, "I wanted to take you down a notch." . I've wondered over the years how many other women he decided to "take down a notch"and felt guilty for not doing more at the time to let others know he was a predator. I only told my sister and a close male friend. I was ashamed and disgusted with myself for getting into that situation and for trusting him.
So I understand why Platner's ex did not say anything publicly at the time it happened. I also understand that there are a lot of powerful people on both sides of the aisle who don't want Platner to win that Senate race in May. So I'm not picking sides just because the court of public opinion and the press are intent on crucifying him at the moment.
Annie, how sad I am to hear about your horrific experience. I believe all women, young and older must realize that we always must be vigilant about situations that could turn ugly.
It's is unfortunately a fact of life that there are men who behave in this way towards women. They have the belief that it is their right to "take women down a notch," and they know they are physically stronger in most cases and do as they wish.
What I keep hoping is that women stop believing that their voices should stay quiet about SA, and speak out immediately. The patriarchy has pushed women to believe they are the ones totally responsible for this abuse and have caused women to feel shame about what happened to them, when in fact, if the roles were reversed, most of the time men would come out swinging and go after their attacker right away.
I agree with you, the court of public opinion has ended Platners run for office because we all too often jump to conclusions without all the information needed to make informed decisions.
Thank you for your perspective, Rhonda. There have always been too many men willing to "take women down a notch" in abusive ways. Having a serial abuser holding the highest office in the county who boasts about his "conquests" has made that attitude much worse than ever before. It's also made it harder for women to get justice when they do speak out publicly. They are now doxxed and threatened for speaking out by POTUS and all his minions.
The doxxing and threats to women are precisely why we need to elect more women to our government. No human being should be put through that hell because of speaking out about abuse. Thanks very much for your enlightening point of view.
I'm also a SA survivor and I believe her. Too many people are corroborating her account of the sexual assault to not believe her. I experienced almost the exact same type of assault, with a man that I knew, who was really drunk, and would not take NO for an answer. It rings true for me, and I believe her.
Everyone keeps saying the proof of "the rape" is based on friends being told and a therapist being hired. What if the friend and therapist are listening to a lie. I find the timing very suspicious.
Unfortunately, we may never know the whole truth of this horrible situation. I've spoken with quite a few people who are questioning the timing too. As I said, we may never know the whole story.
Whoo, Earl! I can feel the heat of your steamy essay all the way here in Pittsburgh!
While I do not know enough about Graham Platner to praise or condemn him, I do know one thing that makes me completely furious. The level of hypocrisy that is going on in this country is absolutely sickening! Graham Platner is just the latest Republican scapegoat to serve as a distraction from the uber criminal Trump and his unrepentantly evil supporters. We know that politicians are almost never squeaky clean, but the degree to which we hold them accountable is wildly, unevenly unfair.
It takes a lot of guts to run for public office, but even more to go public with one’s own shortcomings. I am not defending Platner against his disgraceful activities, but in contrast, Trump and his gang of obscenely wealthy ghouls admit to having done nothing wrong. They flout the law at every turn and carry on robbing us blind of our money and moral sensibilities. When in this Republican – made Hell are we going to wake up and atomize these mofos into oblivion?
Yes, there are. And shame on them all. Maybe they have been sipping the Kool-Aid or been threatened by Republican power brokers and their billionaire backers. Which only indicates that our entire Congress has been poisoned. There must be some sort of electoral explosion to bring about a complete government do-over. Maybe a parliamentary system would be a reasonable alternative. In such a system., The elections would be much shorter with less time to raise billions by unscrupulous influence seekers. In short, throw the bums out!
I thought the same thing, i.e., that his supporters will write him in and split the ticket. Any way you look at it, if he drops out, it's a win-win for the incumbent.
Yep - this idea that the dems are just gonna plug in a replacement and they’ll hop, skip, and jump to a victory over Collin’s is pure fantasy.
Says a lot about the establishment dems though - they’d willingly give the reds the win than let someone with Platner’s platform rise to power.
Regardless of his background, his message and stance put him in the running and the dems are completely ignoring it while doubling down on making him gone.
Hell, his accuser said it herself - she didn’t come forward out of fear his platform of progressive reform may be harmed . . .
It’s interesting that candidates keep getting pushed aside because they have assaulted women but so many are in office that have done the same thing including you know who. Look who is calling the kettle black. Such self righteousness. The real message is that the opposition party find anything that they can to discredit a candidate that they know will beat them.
Unfortunately, I truly believe that this time, Graham Platner discredited himself. I believe the accusations this woman has come forward with, after digging a lot deeper into her story. It's just sad, all around.
I’m curious as to why this surfaced now. Could money have changed hands here too? The latest Supreme Court ruling increasing the cash flow from corporations is despicable. Get money out of politics and expand and reform the Court—ASAP.
The people I have talked to in Maine are asking the same questions, Katharine. This points to a significant trust problem, and why Dems have to run loud and clear on getting money the hell out of politics. The billionaires are literally killing us.
I think people are terrified of Collins keeping her seat to screw us over again. She's voted for Trump's agenda more times than I can count these past 18 months. Case in point: she swore she'd gotten Trump to call off the ICE operation "Catch of the Day". Except she didn't. ICE is still operating up here, still snatching people off the streets, out of their communities.
Well said Earl. It’s terribly frustrating to see the money and power Epstein class deciding who is elected. I have Zero doubt Bernie would have wiped the floor with Trump on 2016. Americans wanted a radical and he’s at least focused on average Americans.
Today - AOC, Mamdani et al are not an accident. They are OUR choices. All the discussion about “Too radical” is bunk, as any stooped over the lectern half moon wearing nasal voiced nearly octogenarian should be able to recognize. Damned frustrating to see supposed liberals unable to recognize the voters get to choose rather than the system.
The Dem voters are screaming for change. Graham Platner won't be the last one to give the middle finger to the Dem Establishment. Chuck Schumer will not win the NY primary in 2028.
I'm suspicious of accusations popping up all of a sudden. I think Oily Collins is behind it. Once an accusation like that is made, it tends to stick like a barnacle on steroids. It just won't go away. Collins knows that, so why not put someone up to make the accusation.
The Republicans are not averse to dirty tricks. They've done it countless times before. I'm not saying Democrats are above doing that too, but the timing of this SUDDEN revelation is too convenient. What a shame it has impacted Platner's chance of winning in November.
Fortunately, Platner is not the only nor the last of upstarts who might breathe some life into the Big Tent. We have to bear in mind the underlying power of wealth, which skews everything in our national dialog, using scare quotes but still quoting our nemeses, thereby forfeiting our message. Wealth is the nemesis, buying privilege and trying to keep the rest of us baying at each other. Unseat wealth and its spokespeople, be the people mover.
Bravo! To every word. So deeply insightful, and did I learn a thing or two. That Mainers look down from their perch, not with disdain, but with suspicion. Made me smile, thinking that I'm on eof the "away" ones lodged in Connecticut. I loved learning a little about Mainers from you, and I'm glad they're not taking anyone else's orders on Platner till they make up their own minds. Thank you for such a great article!
I am a 71 yr old woman. What gets me is IF Platner was on this woman on the couch, then followed her into the bedroom where he supposedly raped her, WTH would she have gone into her bedroom? Why not just leave her house if there wasn't another room she could have gone in? Why in the first place was her house door unlocked when she supposedly was texting with him and she supposedly told him not to come over? I'm sorry, something doesn't smell right!
Why was my reply hidden? Where's the evidence? What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Perhaps the answer can be found in her financial records.
The “well, Republicans elected a rapist so, it’s ok to back a rapist” crowd reasoning is abhorrent.
I read the Politico piece, very compelling & believable. She affirms they had a consensual relationship up to the night he raped her. She asked him not to come over, he did anyway & showed up drunk. People need to read the piece before claiming she consented that night.
I wholeheartedly agree. Politico did a good job getting the truth out there, with several people corroborating her account of the sexual assault, including her therapist, who she still works with. I didn't want to believe it, but I do.
You believe what you want to believe. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Her financial records should be investigated as I believe she's a paid-off liar.
It’s interesting that candidates keep getting pushed aside because they have assaulted women but so many are in office that have done the same thing including you know who. Look who is calling the kettle black. Such self righteousness. The real message is that the opposition party find anything that they can to discredit a candidate that they know will beat them.
I know. I am not excusing his behavior or saying it’s something that should be ignored. Where is the Grand Old Party’s indignance when one of their own attacks women: Thomas, Kavanaugh, Trump, just to name a few.
I think establishment Dems went after Platner even harder than the GOP did. Hopefully Maine will shake it off and come out swinging. There are a lot of people who could still be contenders.
Obama was a great president until his last two years, when he squandered opportunities he had to appoint Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court during a congressional recess. He also began to sound like a run-of-the-mill Democrat, trying to please both sides.
I often imagine how much better life would be for Americans if Hillary Clinton had become president in 2016. Yes, she made some mistakes in her campaign, but the misogynists on both left and right were out to get her. I had some reservations about her, but she is terrifically intelligent, she supports women’s rights, she was incredibly experienced, and I believe she would’ve made a good president. Don’t forget that she got 3 million more votes in the popular vote. Citizens United was a reaction to her rise and this is why it now costs millions to get elected to any office today. We need to get rid of both the Electoral College and overturn Citizens United.
As for Graham Platner, I am very deeply disappointed in him. I love his clear and direct message, which is what I think Americans need and what he believes in. For a while, I tried to explain away his behavior as a veteran with PTSD and hoped he had resolved his anger issues, but I cannot get past this latest accusation of sexual assault, from a former girlfriend. I think he must withdraw from the race.
Great comment here, Katherine.
-Thanks
Additionally, I don’t understand how Graham Platner himself or the Democrats who supposedly vetted him (someone who, I’ve read, also vetted John Fetterman?) didn’t think that his history of abusing women wouldn’t come out. How stupid can they have been? Why couldn’t they have found another progressive without this past to run against Collins? I fear it’s too late now. We’ll have to put up with this evil simpering bitch for another 4 years.
What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
In a court of law, of course that is the case. In the court of public opinion, the evidence does not have to be quite so resilient. In this case, there are records going back to the initial event on text messages and emails. So it is a little bit more than he said she said. The last thing we want, is for even more substantial evidence to come out right before the general election. I do hope the people of Maine can come up with a good candidate to replace him quickly.
I was wondering the same thing as Gail and I was a victim of sexual assault so usually believe the woman. In this case, it just seemed like there were so many people on both sides of the aisle who didn't want Platner to continue his campaign that it seemed like it might be a set up. Thank you for clarifying about the text messages and emails going back to that event. Did the ex-girlfriend provide those to the public?
Politico reviewed the emails with her therapist. She also had msgs warning another woman about him. When you combine this with the other accusations of sexual impropriety and physicality, it is hard to support him. I wasn’t able to post the link to the article due to reply rules, but you can search for. It.
Sorry I wasn’t able to attach the link for the Politico article due to reply rules.
6 years.
Thanks for the correction, Jeff.
Senators serve for 6 years
Thank you all for pointing this out to me. Perhaps you didn’t see my response to Jeff Maz
Sorry Katherine, 6 years.
It still amazes me how a person's sins get hidden until they run for office. Then all the knives come out. Repubs have no problem with their President being a multiple sinner. Is it possible a jilted girlfriend is doing this as retribution for a bad relationship. Did she wait 5 years to expose this? Every candidate has to fear that someone with whom they had a toxic relationship shows up.
I am with you on all points. I think the Senate race in Maine on the Democratic side is going to come down to two men: Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah. We would be in good hands with either of them. Both want Medicare for All. Both want to tax gazillionaires. Both want to stop the Iran war and invest in our needs here at home. Both of them want the ICE raids to stop and to protect our immigrant communities. Troy Jackson is most likely to appeal to Platner voters, and he was Bernie's pick for the gubernatorial primary. Nirav Shah has serious federal government chops as well as a reputation in the state -- he was the state CDC guy during the pandemic. People know they can trust him, not just because of his history here, but because the guy has a high-level security clearance, and you can't get one of those with any skeletons in your closet. We will see what happens over the next few days. Both men are starting Senatorial exploratory committees. They are fresh off the campaign trail for the governorship, so they are in form to start. Either one of them could hit the ground running.
I didn’t think there was another Democrat to be considered the nominee, much less two. How would that work? Would Maine hold another Democratic primary if they both decide to run? Or were they in the first primary?
Apparently there is a process that gives the state party the ability to put forward a new candidate. They are promising a transparent process, with debates and town halls, and probably a state party caucus. We don't have enough time for a new, full blown primary election, unfortunately.
Shah and Jackson are known quantities in this state, both ran for governor. While Shah got the most first-choice votes, we have ranked choice voting up here, so when all the rounds of counting were done, the person with the most votes overall, ie.e. the consensus candidate was Hannah Pingree. So Shah is available. He was the CDC director up here through the pandemic. He is known and trusted. Same with Jackson, a former state Senate president and an outspoken champion of labor who had no problems taking on a very nasty Republican governor. He's got the grit to stand up to Trump and his Congressional enablers. Both men are in their 50s, plenty vigorous for the rigors of Senate sessions.
Shame on you for believing this paid-off liar. Her timing says everything about this unproven allegation.
WOW. Shaming someone who BELIEVES a woman?! She has people who can corroborate her detailed account of the sexual assault, including her therapist, who she still works with. And FYI, I have had the exact same experience as Platner's accuser. I was sexually assaulted by a guy who I was seeing off and on. He came over drunk, wouldn't take no for an answer and overpowered me. It was NOT a consensual encounter. Her story resonated with me. I donated to Graham Platner's campaign, twice. I believe this woman's account of what really happened. Platner has talked at length about his struggle with drugs and alcohol. He may not even remember it, but she sure will, forever. Just like I do.
And I have had the experience of a man who was told in no uncertain terms that he was not wanted at my place show up and try to open my kitchen door just as I was locking it for the night. Racicot's story resonates with me as well. I wish I could forget, but I never will.
I like cliff walks as much as the next thrill-seeker, but I draw the line at walking a knife-edged rock scree.
Thank you for speaking out, Megan.
Oh, shame on me? Do you have any evidence that she is a “paid-off liar”? Let’s see it.
Do you have any evidence that she was raped. Did she go to the hospital?
Do you have any proof she was paid off? Or are throwing allegations around only OK when you do it?
Your comment hurt me and I couldn't sleep last night. I am an SA survivor and almost lost my soul mate because of a lying, jealous woman who wanted him for herself. You bought an unsubstantiated rape accusation without a scintilla of evidence.
I can't tell you how disappointed I am in you. No proof, no trial, convicted in the court of public opinion without proof. Discussions with her therapist and text messages are hearsay. I respected you until now.
There is some evidence which is why it is more serious this time. Contemporaneous emails and text messages verifying her accusations. As for your accusation that she did not go to the hospital, anyone who follows this issue knows many women do not do so, even after a violent rape by a stranger due to shame and fear. The court of public opinion matters a lot in an election and we cannot afford to lose this general election. I think many of us who read these comments are disappointed in you for jumping on Earl so easily and quickly when it is quite clear that he is one of our best warriors.
Except that there IS evidence! I didn't want to believe any of this. I donated to Platner's campaign early on, twice, but after doing a lot of digging, I absolutely believe her account of the sexual assault. Her therapist, who she still works with, has corroborated everything she has said. A boyfriend she was seeing after her relationship with Platner ended has also come forward and corroborated everything she said. It's disappointing, but calling people liars is uncalled for on this Substack page. Really.
Gail, victims of sexual assault rarely go to the hospital.
Disagree... Obama only looks like a great president because of the competition. I will give you that he is the greatest president of the 21st century so far, but only because the others were either weak (Biden) or absolutely terrible (W BUSH and TRUMP). Obama told us who he was in the primaries when he said he was a blank slate. He went back on his promise to only use public funds, and did nothing to stop the misogynistic attacks on Hilary. He is soley responsible for TRUMP being elected in the first place.
I was also disappointed that Obama relented on his promise not to use public funds, but in 2008 not many candidates dared to think they could be elected without corporate or PAC money. Has any presidential candidate been elected without big money? We are a huge country. It might’ve been impossible for him to win any other way.
As for your claim that Obama was solely responsible for Hillary’s defeat in 2016, well, I can’t agree with that.
It was Mitch McConnell who blocked the Merrick Garland appointment.
Thanks for the clarification. I was reading up on Troy Jackson. You’re right, he does seem to be the candidate who would appeal most to Graham Platner supporters. What about Hannah Pingree? Is she going to stay in the race?
Too convenient that all these years old accusations are coming out now, I think both parties are scared he might win and the Establishment loses a reliable AIPAC supporter
That this is even a possibility is exactly the problem, Mike.
This has been my concern since the initial accusation by a women employed by the Heritage Foundation who supported Kavanaugh despite the accusations against him. It is entirely TOO convenient and reminiscent of Nixon-era ratfckers. The rush to instant judgement does not serve truth or justice, but seems to play both effectively in headlines, given the response in increasing demands he end his campaign. If this accusation is true, Platner should step aside and face justice, but the demand he step aside preceded any assessment of the accusation's truth. Queen of Hearts logic prevails to our collective peril.
As a woman, this backlash against Platner feels performative, like so many men (and women) who didn't believe victims before are suddenly trying to make up for that (and assuage their guilt) by instantly crediting any accusation while discrediting the accused. It's nothing but the reverse of what used to happen - "believe him not her". Now it's "believe her not him". The backlash to it is already feeding misogyny and toxic masculinity.
How about we start trusting facts, which take time to reveal, instead of allowing knee jerk reactions to drive the narrative? Or would that be too much of a burden for people who've been trained to be accustomed to instant gratification?
My bad, I'm being logical...
Fair comment. I have talked to quite a few people who agree with you.
In my judgment, he did not take no for an answer in this case.
We'll see where it goes from here.
I agree. It sounds like Platner was heavily intoxicated and wasn't going to stop.
That could be, in which case, let the law handle him after he ends his campaign.
A voice of reason ♥️
Very well said, Darien. My sentiments exactly.
Thank you! I needed some extra validation today.
After reading more and more about this woman's encounter with Platner, the more it rang true, especially since she has several people corroborating what she has said, including her therapist who she still works with. She's risking a lot coming forward. I had the exact same thing happen to me years ago with a man I was dating off and on. I never spoke up. I wish I had. Just FYI: I donated to Platner's campaign twice.
I'm really sorry you had to experience that, and doubly sorry that we still live in a culture where women are afraid to speak up.
Isn't communication between a therapist and their client protected by HIPAA?
Yes, but... A therapist can reveal information with the client's permission, which is what I expect is involved here.
Unfortunately, everything takes too long. It takes too long to get the facts before passing judgement, it takes too long to count and tabulate the votes after an election, it takes too long for the wheels of justice to turn and trials, when they do finally occur, are never final without appeal after appeal, and maybe 5 years later, a verdict is finally given and no more appeals allowed. It takes too long to cook up a good meal, so we eat fast food garbage. And Dammit, it takes too long to watch a baseball game!
I was convinced that these allegations against Platner were false, writing them off as establishment politicians having people do their dirty work, until I dug a little deeper. I had almost the exact same experience as this woman had, and it really hit home. I was dating a guy off and on for awhile and one night he showed up to my house, drunk off his ass. I let him into my house, because I didn't want him driving and possibly injuring someone, or worse. He kept pawing at me and wouldn't take no for an answer. I said NO and tried to physically get him off of me. It was not a consensual encounter. Afterwards, I locked myself in another bedroom. The next morning he was gone. I saw him a couple of weeks later and he had no recollection of that night, but it has haunted me since and caused me to distrust most men. I never told anyone except for my best friend. It was humiliatng. So, after reading more about it, I believe her.
That's exactly the kind of information I need to see in order to form an informed opinion rather than respond knee jerkingly. The first accuser I'm aware of wasn't credible in the same way - too well connected to the GOP/Heritage Foundation and no corroborating evidence I saw. As details emerge from this one, Platner comes across as more and more likely to be guilty. And that means his campaign should end. And the Dems need to work on vetting their candidates better! The last thing we need is progressives eliminated by skeletons in their closets after they're showing promise in primaries. As for Platner, he should have known this was possible and not run at all.
When I read her account of what happened, it sent shivers down my spine. I can't help but wonder if Platner's memory of it is different because he was highly intoxicated. It's a sad situation, all around.
Very true, totally sad. And I'm sure you are correct, he remembers it quite differently, assuming he remembers it at all being so intoxicated at the time. But that's no excuse, because he chose to drink that much. He's responsible for that, and everything that followed. And he's responsible for leaving Maine Dems in this fix, unless he has no memory at all of these events. In which case, the problem takes on an equally troubling, but different shape.
Blackout drunks generally do not remember what they do. All of it is troubling.
Maybe. But there are too many credible allegations that Platner abused women. Idgaf, if Collins wins against a sexual predator. Women are TIRED and DISGUSTED by men who abuse women being elected to office regardless of party.
Too many credible? I'm aware of two, one of which I do not find credible at present as noted in my comment. As for the new one, I am still awaiting facts before I form an opinion.
Agree, he said, she said, did not stop Kauvanaugh from getting confirmed though the charge was not rape. Did not stop Trump from getting elected, so maybe he can prevail. Time for Collins to retire.
This is a lazy take. One senator not in their pockets will have zero effect.
Who will appoint him to what committees? What kind of influence would one “partisan” member of Congress wield?
Gotta start somewhere, each one counts
I'm from the other corner of the United States, Washington state. We have pretty consistently progressive views here. My question for Mainers is: If you distrust corporate Democrats, why do you keep re-electing a Republican who doesn't stand for anything, except to express her "concerns" before voting with Trump most of the time? She is a national joke! And her husband is an arms lobbyist. So what's the deal?
This is a great question.
King, of course, is an Independent who caucuses with Dems.
George Mitchell was the last D senator elected in the state -- 38 years ago.
We do have two pretty establishment Democrats in the Senate, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. Even so, I seldom have to call them because I know they will advocate for the kind of policies I want, and will stand up to Trump. Patty Murray has particularly done an admirable job, and I wouldn't mind seeing her as minority leader.
I'm a Native Washingtonian who teleported to Southern California 5 years ago and I really miss being able to contact Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray (I always voted for these two!) and actually getting a response! I traveled to Washington DC in 2015 and received a tour of the Capitol Building with Maria Cantwell and she was lovely. Both of those women work hard for Washingtonians.😎👍🇺🇲
Part of it is that this is a very rural state. Blue along the coast and around enclaves in the lake areas, and red almost everywhere else. Far north Maine is pretty red, which explains why Jared Golden has voted the way he does. Collins has a good PR team, I guess.
I had supported Platner and hoped he was the real thing. Unfortunately the baggage is enough to either take him down now or in the general because Collins will be ready (as she has handily defeated other Dems over what feels to be a millenia).
That fact is, corporate Dems like Schumer who take AIPAC money are not working for the middle class. They have NO fight and will not take hard stands. I will never forgive Gillibrand for her takedown of Al Franken. There has been no court of law determining guilt: but in politics that never seems to matter. Look at this White House.
Circular firing squad or shooting ourselves in the foot, it’s the same and we may have lost the senate because of it.
I was thinking about Al Franken as well. That was unbelievable how Gillibrand used her position to take down a really good and productive Senator. So many times people just pile on to something they have no real information on and just go with the crowd that is shouting the loudest.
As you said Earl, this is the voters of Maines decision to make. I will say that as a SA survivor myself, I do question the timing of these allegations against Platner.
I spent time working with SA victims in my 30s and 40s because of my own experience, and can tell you truthfully that there are women who are not truthful sometimes about the SA. There are some who either make it up to try and hurt a man or they don't tell the whole truth of the situation that happened.
As much as I do believe we should always listen to women and girls when they do speak up and want to bring charges, it is important to get a lot of information and proof of their allegations. We are all supposed to be innocent before facts and proof prove otherwise.
I've been told these women didn't speak up out of fear for their safety or not being believed, yet these women who have spoken up about Platner don't seem to be concerned with the safety or fear of being believed now. When I got out of the hospital after my attack I went full bore into trying to find the man who jumped into my car and forced me to drive to a deserted area where he beat and raped me. I was 16 years old and wanted him found and prosecuted. There wasn't enough physical evidence, hair, blood, etc to find him.
I tell you this because it seems to me our politics have become so ugly and full of lies and innuendo to destroy people to keep them from office. Platner certainly made some terrible choices when he was younger, but did seek help for his PTSD and drinking problems. He tried to make himself a better man, and yet there are those who refuse to look at him now and only want to see his past mistakes.
Again, it is the people of Maine who need to make this judgment about Mr. Platner.
Thanks for sharing this powerful, tragic story, Rhonda.
You have a ton of perspective most don't have.
-Peace
Thank you for sharing your horrific story, Rhonda. Your objective perspective on Platner, despite what you've survived, is really valuable.
I appreciate your comment Annie. I've been through a lot in my 72 years and have learned that many times we need to take a breath and stop and consider some of the things that we hear, especially when it comes to accusations like this.
When I worked with women who had experienced SA, I learned so much about how sometimes people are not completely honest about the situations that happened and that they are just trying to make sense of their own decisions that led to the situation. I do believe we should always take these situations seriously and help the woman work through the traumatic experience.
Rhonda, with age and experience, we hopefully learn to pause before jumping on the accusation bandwagon. NYT is all over it as is every other major news outlet. He is crucified in the court of public opinion and his chances for this election are likely over.
I'm 71. Right around this time, 47 years ago, I was raped by an acquaintance. He was quite a bit older than I was at the time and was the manager/bartender at a local place. I'd had too much to drink and so had he when we began kissing. Then he forced himself on me in a way I'd never experienced before. I told him "NO" repeatedly, tried to physically stop him and expected he'd stop. He didn't. Afterwards I asked him why he raped me and he said, "I wanted to take you down a notch." . I've wondered over the years how many other women he decided to "take down a notch"and felt guilty for not doing more at the time to let others know he was a predator. I only told my sister and a close male friend. I was ashamed and disgusted with myself for getting into that situation and for trusting him.
So I understand why Platner's ex did not say anything publicly at the time it happened. I also understand that there are a lot of powerful people on both sides of the aisle who don't want Platner to win that Senate race in May. So I'm not picking sides just because the court of public opinion and the press are intent on crucifying him at the moment.
Annie, how sad I am to hear about your horrific experience. I believe all women, young and older must realize that we always must be vigilant about situations that could turn ugly.
It's is unfortunately a fact of life that there are men who behave in this way towards women. They have the belief that it is their right to "take women down a notch," and they know they are physically stronger in most cases and do as they wish.
What I keep hoping is that women stop believing that their voices should stay quiet about SA, and speak out immediately. The patriarchy has pushed women to believe they are the ones totally responsible for this abuse and have caused women to feel shame about what happened to them, when in fact, if the roles were reversed, most of the time men would come out swinging and go after their attacker right away.
I agree with you, the court of public opinion has ended Platners run for office because we all too often jump to conclusions without all the information needed to make informed decisions.
Thank you for your perspective, Rhonda. There have always been too many men willing to "take women down a notch" in abusive ways. Having a serial abuser holding the highest office in the county who boasts about his "conquests" has made that attitude much worse than ever before. It's also made it harder for women to get justice when they do speak out publicly. They are now doxxed and threatened for speaking out by POTUS and all his minions.
The doxxing and threats to women are precisely why we need to elect more women to our government. No human being should be put through that hell because of speaking out about abuse. Thanks very much for your enlightening point of view.
Wow, thank you for your insight and much admiration for your courage. I was determined not to let my SAs define me. I chose ME, not THEM.
Four years of Tae Kwon Do was my chosen therapy and it was one of the best choices I ever made.
That's such a smart thing to do Gail. It is something I believe more women need to consider doing to protect themselves. 👍
I'm also a SA survivor and I believe her. Too many people are corroborating her account of the sexual assault to not believe her. I experienced almost the exact same type of assault, with a man that I knew, who was really drunk, and would not take NO for an answer. It rings true for me, and I believe her.
As is your right Megan.
Everyone keeps saying the proof of "the rape" is based on friends being told and a therapist being hired. What if the friend and therapist are listening to a lie. I find the timing very suspicious.
Unfortunately, we may never know the whole truth of this horrible situation. I've spoken with quite a few people who are questioning the timing too. As I said, we may never know the whole story.
Whoo, Earl! I can feel the heat of your steamy essay all the way here in Pittsburgh!
While I do not know enough about Graham Platner to praise or condemn him, I do know one thing that makes me completely furious. The level of hypocrisy that is going on in this country is absolutely sickening! Graham Platner is just the latest Republican scapegoat to serve as a distraction from the uber criminal Trump and his unrepentantly evil supporters. We know that politicians are almost never squeaky clean, but the degree to which we hold them accountable is wildly, unevenly unfair.
It takes a lot of guts to run for public office, but even more to go public with one’s own shortcomings. I am not defending Platner against his disgraceful activities, but in contrast, Trump and his gang of obscenely wealthy ghouls admit to having done nothing wrong. They flout the law at every turn and carry on robbing us blind of our money and moral sensibilities. When in this Republican – made Hell are we going to wake up and atomize these mofos into oblivion?
There are many in the Democratic establishment that went after Platner with glee. They are spiking the football even as I type this.
So much pearl-clutching, so many Dems selling out to big donors who have it in for us.
Yes, there are. And shame on them all. Maybe they have been sipping the Kool-Aid or been threatened by Republican power brokers and their billionaire backers. Which only indicates that our entire Congress has been poisoned. There must be some sort of electoral explosion to bring about a complete government do-over. Maybe a parliamentary system would be a reasonable alternative. In such a system., The elections would be much shorter with less time to raise billions by unscrupulous influence seekers. In short, throw the bums out!
Yep.
If I was Platner, I’d do what everyone wants . . . Drop out.
Then triple down on promoting a write-in campaign that’d split the blue vote so hard his replacement couldn’t get elected dog catcher.
The legacy dems told him if he had the temerity to continue to run, they’d rip his whole life apart . . . On the public stage.
Maybe he should return the favor.
I thought the same thing, i.e., that his supporters will write him in and split the ticket. Any way you look at it, if he drops out, it's a win-win for the incumbent.
Yep - this idea that the dems are just gonna plug in a replacement and they’ll hop, skip, and jump to a victory over Collin’s is pure fantasy.
Says a lot about the establishment dems though - they’d willingly give the reds the win than let someone with Platner’s platform rise to power.
Regardless of his background, his message and stance put him in the running and the dems are completely ignoring it while doubling down on making him gone.
Hell, his accuser said it herself - she didn’t come forward out of fear his platform of progressive reform may be harmed . . .
Helluva system we got going here.
It’s interesting that candidates keep getting pushed aside because they have assaulted women but so many are in office that have done the same thing including you know who. Look who is calling the kettle black. Such self righteousness. The real message is that the opposition party find anything that they can to discredit a candidate that they know will beat them.
I agree Carol
Unfortunately, I truly believe that this time, Graham Platner discredited himself. I believe the accusations this woman has come forward with, after digging a lot deeper into her story. It's just sad, all around.
Character counts even more when so, so many make excuses for those without moral centers. And worse.
The double-talking in the Democratic Party is just astounding, it really is.
Money talks, Earl.
And THAT'S the problem.
💯
I’m curious as to why this surfaced now. Could money have changed hands here too? The latest Supreme Court ruling increasing the cash flow from corporations is despicable. Get money out of politics and expand and reform the Court—ASAP.
The people I have talked to in Maine are asking the same questions, Katharine. This points to a significant trust problem, and why Dems have to run loud and clear on getting money the hell out of politics. The billionaires are literally killing us.
I think people are terrified of Collins keeping her seat to screw us over again. She's voted for Trump's agenda more times than I can count these past 18 months. Case in point: she swore she'd gotten Trump to call off the ICE operation "Catch of the Day". Except she didn't. ICE is still operating up here, still snatching people off the streets, out of their communities.
Well said Earl. It’s terribly frustrating to see the money and power Epstein class deciding who is elected. I have Zero doubt Bernie would have wiped the floor with Trump on 2016. Americans wanted a radical and he’s at least focused on average Americans.
Today - AOC, Mamdani et al are not an accident. They are OUR choices. All the discussion about “Too radical” is bunk, as any stooped over the lectern half moon wearing nasal voiced nearly octogenarian should be able to recognize. Damned frustrating to see supposed liberals unable to recognize the voters get to choose rather than the system.
Wrote a piece recently about how radical Republicans have conducted a master class gaslighting us, David.
If healthcare for all is "extreme" wtf is Trump?
The Dem voters are screaming for change. Graham Platner won't be the last one to give the middle finger to the Dem Establishment. Chuck Schumer will not win the NY primary in 2028.
I agree. He's cooked, and should be.
I'm suspicious of accusations popping up all of a sudden. I think Oily Collins is behind it. Once an accusation like that is made, it tends to stick like a barnacle on steroids. It just won't go away. Collins knows that, so why not put someone up to make the accusation.
The Republicans are not averse to dirty tricks. They've done it countless times before. I'm not saying Democrats are above doing that too, but the timing of this SUDDEN revelation is too convenient. What a shame it has impacted Platner's chance of winning in November.
Fortunately, Platner is not the only nor the last of upstarts who might breathe some life into the Big Tent. We have to bear in mind the underlying power of wealth, which skews everything in our national dialog, using scare quotes but still quoting our nemeses, thereby forfeiting our message. Wealth is the nemesis, buying privilege and trying to keep the rest of us baying at each other. Unseat wealth and its spokespeople, be the people mover.
I cannot type enough that running against Big Money, instead of with it is a political winner.
Bravo! To every word. So deeply insightful, and did I learn a thing or two. That Mainers look down from their perch, not with disdain, but with suspicion. Made me smile, thinking that I'm on eof the "away" ones lodged in Connecticut. I loved learning a little about Mainers from you, and I'm glad they're not taking anyone else's orders on Platner till they make up their own minds. Thank you for such a great article!
Thanks for giving it a chance, Lu.
Appreciate that.
I am a 71 yr old woman. What gets me is IF Platner was on this woman on the couch, then followed her into the bedroom where he supposedly raped her, WTH would she have gone into her bedroom? Why not just leave her house if there wasn't another room she could have gone in? Why in the first place was her house door unlocked when she supposedly was texting with him and she supposedly told him not to come over? I'm sorry, something doesn't smell right!
You share other people's concerns I have talked to, Michelle.
I believe that the accuser could be a paid off liar.
Why was my reply hidden? Where's the evidence? What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Perhaps the answer can be found in her financial records.
I like your response, Michelle. Without evidence, a person is innocent until proven guilty. I bet her financial records would be interesting.
The “well, Republicans elected a rapist so, it’s ok to back a rapist” crowd reasoning is abhorrent.
I read the Politico piece, very compelling & believable. She affirms they had a consensual relationship up to the night he raped her. She asked him not to come over, he did anyway & showed up drunk. People need to read the piece before claiming she consented that night.
In the end, having been around too many of these stories in my career, I reached the same conclusion, Sandra.
I wholeheartedly agree. Politico did a good job getting the truth out there, with several people corroborating her account of the sexual assault, including her therapist, who she still works with. I didn't want to believe it, but I do.
You believe what you want to believe. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Her financial records should be investigated as I believe she's a paid-off liar.
It’s interesting that candidates keep getting pushed aside because they have assaulted women but so many are in office that have done the same thing including you know who. Look who is calling the kettle black. Such self righteousness. The real message is that the opposition party find anything that they can to discredit a candidate that they know will beat them.
Establishment Dems went after him hard, too, Carol.
I know. I am not excusing his behavior or saying it’s something that should be ignored. Where is the Grand Old Party’s indignance when one of their own attacks women: Thomas, Kavanaugh, Trump, just to name a few.
I think establishment Dems went after Platner even harder than the GOP did. Hopefully Maine will shake it off and come out swinging. There are a lot of people who could still be contenders.