It's disappointing to read Will Bunch writing like this. Not his best analysis. That he characterizes Janet Mills as "Maine's popular two-term governor" shows a sad lack of understanding of the politics of the state. There is a lot of anti-Mills energy north of Portland.

Collins has been the Duchess of Maine for almost 30 years

How else would these politicians be perceived?

He's been in office at least that long and for the bulk of his time in the Senate, he was the poorest person there.

Bernie Sanders is a member of the elite class.

I'm guessing it differs from mine.

A person with power greater than others in his or her peer horizon.

All Senators are elite.

All Representatives are elite.

Bureaucrats and functionaries are not elite. So, while Bernie Sanders might be an elite, his deputy press director is not.

of wealth and power, especially those who inherited as much or more than they earned..Most of those you named aren't in that category.

Power comes from being in Congress. And, sadly, often wealth too.

Trump wasn't considered part of NYC rich 'elite', which is part of his psychic damage. So wealth isn't by itself sufficient to make one a member of the elite. I submit being a Senator is, by itself, sufficient.

When I hear "elite", I'm inclined to think more "privilege" than power and wealth honestly earned and worked for.

Lyndon Johnson, for example, would not be "elite" in your schema.

kind of a "mixed bag". He didn't come from an elite background, but he did come to hold a very powerful position.

the modern American left-progressive (and currently elected and serving in office) political movement (its spiritual head if you will) definitely has elite power. AOC is his likely heir apparent. US Senator Liz Warren is next IMHO. Zohran Mamdani and probably Maxwell Frost are the ones to watch atm in terms of rounding out the top 5 (in terms of left-progressive elected US politicians).

I so hope to eventually see the 2 US Senators from New York being AOC (starting on January 3rd, 2029) and then, even if he runs eventually for NY Governor first (I would much prefer him in the US Senate) Mamdani, hopefully replacing Gillibrand, either on January 3rd, 2031 (my preference) or January 3rd, 2037, if he decides to stay on as NYC mayor or make a run for NY Governor first (which I would advise against personally, at least for now).

of control. Even Trump (and a modern POTUS is the single most powerful global power position in human history) has not, to use healthcare as an example, been able to have that level of effect. He has not even been able to do away with the ACA, for instance.

A POTUS does have one thing they can do to have the ultimate level of real time power, and that power is not for the good, it is pretty much 100 per cent destructive: They have the power to launch all (or at least much of) of the US nuclear arsenal, which would end (with help from the other nuclear powers launching theirs as well) most (not all, but a HUGE percentage) of global human life, plus a shedload of plant and animal life on Earth as well.

Russia and probably China (as they have a lot of nukes, but many are not actively deployed atm) are at that level as well. France and the UK could also kick it off and then their targets would likely respond and finish the job. Maybe the same for India, Pakistan, and Israel (depends on who they targeted). NoKo, not so sure, but they could still really fuck shit up to a degree that would be madness even if it was not global human near annihilation.

Susan Collins' personal integrity::::
Susan Collins two terms pledge

I am here in mid-state A99uburn. I can't believe the "Fuck Janet Mills" bumper stickers I see while driving around. It I usually a badly rusted out car or pickup truck. With a "Pray for Jeebuzz trDUMP" slapped on the vehicle too.

If the upstate red neck hyper masculine hunter/lumberjacking he men find out the political ideology of Graham Platner. Then realizep his being buddy buddy with both Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren from the socialist demon state of Massachusetts they might not be so forthcoming with their MAGA red hat vote for Platner.

++++++++++

Ask Google,... How is Platner polling against Mills ?


Graham Platner has consistently led Janet Mills by double-digit margins in the Democratic primary, with recent polls showing a commanding 33–35 point advantage.
Democratic Primary Polling


found Platner leading Mills 55% to 28%, with 13% undecided, a 27-point margin outside the poll’s margin of error (±4.2%)
The Hill

Internal campaign polling in early April indicated Platner’s lead had widened to 64% to 29%, a 35-point advantage, with strong support across demographics including men (+44), women (+25), and voters under 50 (+49)
themainewire.com

The Maine People’s Resource Center poll in early April showed Platner at 61% to Mills’ 28%, a 33-point lead
mainebeacon.com

.
Earlier in the race, the contest was much closer. In December 2025, Pan Atlantic Research showed Mills ahead 47% to 37%, reflecting a tight race before Platner gained traction among younger and progressive voters
mainemorningstar.com


. By February–March 2026, multiple polls, including UNH and RealClearPolling averages, consistently showed Platner leading by margins ranging from 22% to 38%
realclearpolling.com

Platner polling against - The Concerned and Habitually Worrying incumbent Maine Senior Senator - but 98.6% MAGA policy voter - Suzy Collins,..

General Election Matchups
Hypothetical matchups against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins also favor Platner. Emerson College Polling found Platner leading Collins 48% to 41%, while Mills held a narrower edge 46% to 43%
The Hill

. Maine People’s Resource Center polling in early April showed Platner ahead 48% to 39%, and Pan Atlantic Research reported 48% to 40%
mainebeacon.com

. These results suggest Platner may have a slightly stronger position against Collins than Mills, particularly among independent voters, where Platner has a net favorable rating of +6 points, compared to Mills’ +13 and Collins’ -30
The Hill

.

Campaign Context
Platner’s rise in the polls coincided with his strong grassroots support, large campaign events, and progressive platform, while Mills relied on smaller-scale events and late negative advertising targeting Platner’s past controversial statements
Maine Public

. Despite Mills’ efforts, polling trends indicated her campaign was unable to close the gap, leading to her suspension of the Senate campaign on April 30, 2026, effectively clearing the path for Platner to secure the Democratic nomination
POLITICO

.

Summary
Platner leads Mills decisively in the Democratic primary, with recent polls showing 33–35 point margins.
Platner also shows a modest advantage over Collins in general election matchups, while Mills’ lead over Collins is narrower.
Demographic support favors Platner among younger voters and men, while Mills had stronger support among older voters and women early in the race.
Campaign dynamics, including grassroots enthusiasm and Mills’ late entry and negative ads, contributed to Platner’s growing lead.
Overall, polling data indicate that Graham Platner is the clear frontrunner in the Maine Democratic Senate primary and is positioned competitively against Senator Susan Collins in the general election.

voters that is Collins support area that Mills had no chance to get. I just hope Platner’s support up there also carries over to send LePage home to FL for the last time.

I has hoping and praying The Dotard would give him a slot in the Orange Mussolini admin. . Become such good buddies djt would give LePage a Mara Lardo membership for free. Then LePage would have no reason or desire to come back up here to Maine. I was astounded that ShitsHisPants did not make LePage the US Secretary of the Treasury or American Ambassador to Canada.

But djt likes them young, dumb, and stupid. With dirty blackmailable skeletons in their closets. That way they can be easily extorted to do his top secret criminal black bag and private pbriefcase delivery excursions. While they remain blindly loyal to him without question.

Platner has more potential cross over appeal for independents in the 2nd district where Mills remains unpopular. She did have some hometown advantage around Farmington, but not much beyond that and some of Bangor, with its college and music scene.

People can change.
And the word elites, like anything else, can be used and abused. In this case, it is not.

I crunched my hand between a trailer and the trailer hitch. Dumb things. But I was never dumb enough to get something from the nazis printed on my body. I can't gloss over that as a dumb youthful mistake.

I voted for Bob Dole as a youth. I dyed my hair Eminem bleach blonde. I bought a car with a manual transmission without knowing how to drive a stick. No Nazi tattoos though.

Renowned Grandfather: He is the grandson of Warren Platner, a celebrated Manhattan architect and interior designer.

Lawyer Father: His father, Bronson Platner, operated his own law practice for over 30 years and served as an assistant district attorney in Maine.

Elite Education: Platner attended the Hotchkiss School, an elite private boarding school in Connecticut, before finishing high school at a private school in Bangor.

Last edited Thu Apr 30, 2026, 07:15 PM - Edit history (1)

remember, "contempt for elites" helped get us Trump, who has ALWAYS been wealthy

a small-business owner, a former Marine and Army infantryman, with four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, that he's anti-establishment, a populist, and focused on local, working-class issues.

He also was a Blackwater mercenary.

But he is running under our banner and so before I condemn him I want to see what he's got.

Plus I want a fighter.

Last edited Thu Apr 30, 2026, 06:03 PM - Edit history (1)

A decision between nazi tattoo guy or the vague assertion of elites is right up there with Sophie's Choice for me, although I do realize Elite is one of theose words that means only what we want it to and only at that moment. Tomorrow, something else...

being a U.S. senator. Feels a lil elite to me, or at least entitled.

He is absolutely from an "elite" family in Maine.

That he ran for Senate in the first place establishes at least a little bit of entitlement.

But this is how it is. He didn't run like someone owed the seat - he ran on a message.

to be "elite" and Why? Is he projecting since he comes from a lot of money and went to an "elite" military school?

"Elite", just because Planter says so? He also says Dems aren't fighting for us, and that's just Not True.

And yeah, Sanders endorsed him. Sanders also endorsed and stumped for Fetterman twice.

I don't like his Divisional tactics.. We Need to Win the Midterms.. the House and the Senate. Not just the Maine Senate seat.

I understand being a marine is not for everyone but we would be hard pressed as a nation if no one bothered to serve.

He served 8 years active duty as a marine, 4 years of reserve duty then he works for contractors, again serving our country for a few more years… that’s not a fail, that’s more service than most of the country will ever give!

That would be more service than 95% of the country will ever do

So what do you think of the rats eating children alive while they sleep in their makeshift shelters in Gaza while Israel refuses to even let them import rat poison?

Seems more important than a tat but that’s just me

Keep in mind: when a young Graham Platner was interviewed by his hometown newspaper in 2008 and said "I loved Iraq. I loved being there", said that his unit had burnt corpses, and that he wore a Blackwater hat because it annoyed the libs, this is less than year after he got a Totenkopf tattoo. 1/

— capitolhunters (@capitolhunters.bsky.social) 2026-03-27T10:19:25.856Z

Platner is so popular, most of us realize it is just a matter of time before the oligarchs treat us all as Palestinians

AIPAC to be a little laughable.

and now denounced it.

Someone stoopid enough to "accidentally" get a Nazi tat, IMO can't be trusted.

Misogyny. It's very popular.

There's a rapist in the White House.

This guy is a rape apologist.

Adds up.

Sen. Collins would be very concerned about their bathroom assignments.

he was young and stupid. He got the backing of some Dems, has painted himself as the working-class hero. When he attended private schools.

He offers instant gratification.

We just need a D to win!! Dems need the gavel back!! The policies will follow. There is no one perfect candidate. I would gladly pull the lever for Platner if I lived on Maine.
I look forward to a younger senate with Talarico and Platner!!

I would too!

he was 23 years old when he "accidentally" got his Nazi tat. He was no kid, he was an adult.

Don't care for his attitude towards females either. You know, - they had it coming crap.

There is no comparison. Platner will vote for the Democratic majority leader, not the GOP.

I've been to a lot of weddings over the years, and no one ever did that.

Sometimes pre-Senate nominees just gotta rock out

A shirtless bride at a wedding!? What is this, Florida?

sure, bro

He's winning because he is that good, and she is losing because she is that compromised.

People are afraid he is going to be a Fetterman, but he is more likely a Senator Elizabeth Warren, who was also conservative in her younger years.

Quit clutching pearls and climb on the wagon.

Thanks for the reminder.

because of it, and Trump backed down. Seems a bit unfair to class this as "focus-grouped deer-in-the-headlights timidity".

We need more progressive principles and Democrats in Congress, and he can give both.

I guess we'll have to wait then.

I don't know.

So it isn't over over, but it is over.

However I am of the school of thought that criticism is good as long as those that are giving criticism are doing so with the intent to make (our) candidates stronger.

Apparently getting a tattoo you know nothing about after a drunken night of antics with your friends in the Marines is often par for the course for many.

The tattoo is evidence of stoopidity, and keeping it for so long is bad. Getting it covered up as a, ahem, cover when running is also problematic because it smacks of opportunism.

That being said, he talks a really good game and he has the support of a lot of people I support.

As I've said in other threads, he is entitled grace by virtue of fighting under our banner and not the opposition.

Mr. Platner is not going to be a Fetterman nor is he going to be a Manchin. I know this because the guy obviously has ambitions and wants to get reelected (presuming he is elected first).

When I watched him interact with voters versus Gov. Mills, I realized that my support for Gov. Mills was, idk, default setting? Clearly Maine wants something different which is why Platner is was winning by a high enough % to force Mills out on $$$ grounds.

He will be the nominee, he will be the Senator, and I hope he outperforms the expectations of this board.

AND I hope our brothers and sisters here on this forum give credit when due and criticism when warranted.

Especially when we agree.

He seemed to be a real person, with a flawed past. Probably fits in with most Mainer's. I liked what I heard, but you can listen a decide for yourself.

and he's the Democratic candidate (as seems likely) the trash talking here stops, correct?

are the best Maine can do? Just curious

There is unsatisfying answer of since we are where we are, then yes. By virtue of being in the position we are in now. Anyone else who was a "better" choice loses points by virtue of not stepping up.

The more nuanced and accurate answer is obviously Maine has better. The Democratic leadership in Congress fell in strongly behind Gov. Mills and she is, far and away, the most traditionally qualified choice. However, that the powers-that-be encouraged her to run boxed out other potential candidates.

Rarely is what we get the best we can do. But it is what we have.

The people of Maine will choose.

At least Susan Collins will be dispatched.

and I for one have been quite vocal about seeing the same old faces, we need fresh candidates - but, I don't know.....I'm thinking be careful what you wish for

Last edited Thu Apr 30, 2026, 08:32 PM - Edit history (1)

Hopefully, to see her endure a humiliating defeat.

If we lose this one, we likely will not be winning the Senate.

I shall remain guardedly optimistic. A blue wave raises all ships.

I have long been sick of her and her phony "concern"

we need to stop doing that.

but.....here I don't see the alternative as a great improvement

at the national level of “we need to run a loudmouth white guy too” after Harris’ loss, coupled with the flawed thinking that we can’t elect a woman, and often by people who should damn well know better.

You are absolutely correct that national narratives filter down and there is a strong desire (nationally) for a loud mouth, though not necessarily white guy.

The electorate of Maine is liking what he is selling, and I think we need look no further than to that for explanation.

This interests me.

What woman and/or person of color "loud mouth" would there be a strong desire for?

Let's get real. The ONLY desirable loud mouths are white guys.

How desirable she is nationally, I admit, remains to be tested.

I don't consider AOC a "loud mouth" but probably lots of people do.

Since he's the nominee, I hope they're unfounded.

Leery about unknown candidates with no political record running for national office.

The 'contempt' for 'elites*' is so overwhelming they are willing to OVERLOOK a Nazi tattoo and "could have a beer with the guy". Oh, so sorry, that was why BUSH the Lesser was winning. No, they are willing to OVERLOOK a Nazi tattoo as a "youthful oopsie."

when they are elite smart, practical, educated... and still grounded.

Enough with the myth that we are better off with an "everyperson" ( especially the fake ones ) doing a better job of government.

I don't want a Senate or House full of PhDs or MDs... but I want people smart enough and empathetic enough to work for the people and who can listen to the experts on this or that... and lead.

...but that doesn't there aren't many Democrats across the country that believe that. For Platner that's the center of his campaign...the rich have declared class war on the rest of us. He talks about proven ways to make health care affordable like single payer. And he doesn't care if the media calls him a radical or a "soshalist".

(arguably) in the US Senate, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders (who is Jewish) both endorsed Platner over Governor Mills.
Both Senators Warren and Sanders have campaigned for Graham Platner.

Fuck Platner.

on his "totenkopf" deathhead tattoo, and so very little on his misogyny.

Could easily be the difference between Trump continuing to set the national agenda for 2027 and 2028 and the Democrats being able to check and balance Trump into lame duck oblivion.
If Fetterman were to switch parties it could happen that Vice President Vance gets to break ties in the Senate.

Her perceived "independent" stance now translates into wishy-washy going along with her party's leadership. Platner's chances look good. Just hoping that he doesn't morph into a Fetterman clone.