We’re All Here Together: Black, White, Red, Yellow & Brown
One of the old sayings in politics crafted by former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill is that "all politics is local." Except that's not exactly true as the exceedingly poorly timed collapsing senate campaign of Graham Platner in Maine, has broad and serious national implications.
The Democrats are expected to easily seize the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterms in November of this year. Our confused and declining president is aiding that with every political misstep and insult hurled at a member of the opposite party, foreign dignitary, or the press, for that matter. Incredibly, because of Donald Trump’s historically poor polling numbers, the United States Senate might actually be in play.
Imagine the Democrats seizing both the House and the Senate in one swell swoop, effectively ending Trump’s presidency. Lame duck wouldn’t even be a sufficient term to describe him at that point.
Roasted duck would be a more than sufficient stand in.
The Democrats would surely do nothing to help Donald J. Trump govern in any whatsoever. It might be a stiflingly difficult two years until Trump leaves office, but the alternative of having the Republicans in charge of the country, would be many times worse.
And then there’s Graham Platner.
The idea that the Democrats have even the slightest possibility of gaining control of both houses of Congress, and to have that opportunity derailed because of a misbegotten candidate in Maine who has been accused of offensives against women that could be generously labeled as creepy, and now that’s been upped to actual sexual assault allegations.
Of course, the candidate vigorously denies the allegations but the damage to his campaign has been incalculable. There’s no need in this piece to detail and dissect the allegations right here because in some respect they are not the main issue here.
Surely, the allegations are the main issue for the women involved.
But the big issue on the plate for the Democrats is the danger and foolhardiness of standing behind a big-league candidate who hasn’t been fully vetted.
You think!
Graham Platner seems to understand the political game; he certainly knows how to stand confidently in front of an audience and give a speech. He effortlessly answers intrusive questions with an earnestness that is utterly disarming. But there must be something ugly and unsavory inside of this 41-year-old married man and small business owner to have so many seemingly credible women accuse him of sexual improprieties of one sleazy kind or another.
There is an element of dirty politics in this as well, because of the timing of the allegations, and the fact that one of the accusers, Lyndsey Fifield, is a well-known Republican activist.
Sure, we get it. Pure coincidence.
Political hit job or not, the allegations are out there, and with the latest batch Platner’s support has crumbled to the ground faster than a poorly designed office building in a third world country.
Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders who represents the state of Vermont, recently said about Platner. “In light of these very serious allegations. I have recommended that he step aside.”
Graham Platner is apparently undecided as to whether to continue his campaign against current Senator Susan Collins. But the more he is seen on television answering uncomfortable questions about his behavior with women, he’s also giving people more reasons to wonder about his fitness for the job.
In truth, Platner has the calm face and the personal demeanor of a man who should be wearing a green Park Ranger’s uniform, whilst sharing tidbits of valuable information about seasonal hunting licenses or advising campers about the importance of dousing those hot campfires so that an entire stand of nearby trees does not go up in flames.
He also gives off TV sitcom dad with a dark side no one knows about vibes. Yeah….
It is extremely unlikely Graham Platner’s campaign can survive the latest allegations. Sleazy doesn’t sell well when trying to win elections unless maybe your last name is Trump.
Republican Senator Susan Collins has her own campaign issues. At times in front of the television cameras, she looks weak, shaky, indecisive – and just plain too old to be running again.
How ironic is it, that this is an opportunity the Maine Democrats might have already blown to shreds.
One thing is certain and is a lesson that is learned the hard way. If an out-of-the-blue political candidate seems too good to be true.
That’s probably the correct assessment.
[Editor’s note: Graham Platner suspended his campaign shortly after this article was written, sighting reasons that the Democratic party leaders removed structural support and funding. “We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me. And for that reason we are suspending campaign operations.”]
What Were We Thinking
this is an oldie but goodie from a few weeks back…
One way to get out in front of all the tawdry talk is to hold a press conference, even in the middle of the night, and get out ahead of all those salacious rumors and the ugly scandal that is sure to follow.
This is only a brief taste of what’s on the way from MADDOX NEWS in the weeks and months ahead. Be sure to spread the word from and family, alike. Your help in getting this publication to grow will be much appreciated.