Greetings, everyone. I feel compelled to point out that the recent politically damaging allegations against Graham Platner couldn’t have come at a more suspicious time. It seems clear that the effort to derail Platner’s Senate campaign is less about his moral character and more about his political beliefs.
No, no, no, no! Come, let’s away to prison:
We two alone will sing like birds in a cage:
When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down,
And ask of thee forgiveness: so we’ll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues
Talk of court news; and we’ll talk with them too,
Who loses and who wins; who’s in, who’s out;
And take upon us the mystery of things,
As if we were God’s spies: and we’ll wear out,
In a walled prison, packs and sects of great ones,
That ebb and flow by the moon.
—King Lear, content to observe from the sidelines
As “God’s spies,” our approach to this discussion focuses on merely observing the unfolding drama without taking sides. Instead of delving into the complexities of right and wrong, we aim to simply watch what is transpiring.
L’Affair Graham Platner. There is much to discuss regarding this situation. The public’s attention has been drawn primarily to the alleged misconduct, and a prevailing sentiment suggests that these claims hold weight. While the sincerity of his accuser is largely accepted, the timing of these allegations—just a week before the deadline for Platner to withdraw and allow the Party to select another candidate—is indeed curious. Nevertheless, skepticism of the allegations seems to have diminished. (For a contrasting viewpoint, check out this podcast.)
With that in mind, let’s explore the intricacies involved.
Personal Tragedies
The personal narrative surrounding Graham Platner is multifaceted. His life story is a compelling mix of flaws and dire consequences, meriting an entire novel. It encompasses the suffering he has endured, the anguish he may have inflicted on others, and the spotlight on a national stage fraught with lies and betrayals. Within this tale, there are soaring highs and devastating lows, the kind of tragic intensity that captivates when viewed from a safe distance, like an audience watching a play unfold.
This can also be said of his two main accusers, Jenny Racicot, his ex-girlfriend, and Lyndsey Fifield, the operative previously known for defending Kavanaugh. Both have intricate stories of their own. Racicot, in particular, faces a challenging road ahead, regardless of her intentions; the fallout from this situation will likely haunt her for years. It’s a sobering reminder of the cost of being ensnared in such tragic narratives.
Indeed, these are heartrending tales played out in front of millions—thank goodness for our anonymity, I can hear you all saying.
The Attack Method
Next, we should ponder the method employed to launch the attack, irrespective of its validity in Platner’s case. The accusations emerged during a pivotal campaign and were communicated entirely through the media. This strategy is a familiar one, frequently utilized in political showdowns.
Ian Welsh provides interesting insights on the tactics used to dismantle figures like Platner, outlining how those in power seek to eliminate their opposition. He notes that left-wing candidates are almost always targeted using claims of “wokeness.” Note: Welsh wrote this in June, prior to the latest reports.
Establishment Attacks On Platner Are Classic Woke Attacks On The Populist Left
It’s well-known in American and Western politics that strong leftist figures often face attacks predominantly centered around “woke” violations.
Corbyn was accused of anti-Semitism, despite being a staunch anti-racist advocate. The notion of him being anti-Semitic was absurd, as he would be the first to stand against any threats to Jewish communities. …
The term “woke” is effective, especially when linked to sexual harassment allegations. It’s a strategy that has a broad application, as evidenced by New York Governor Cuomo’s downfall, which was based more on sexual harassment claims than on his disastrous COVID policies that resulted in numerous deaths in nursing homes. This suggests a skewed moral compass within political circles.
While the Democratic establishment might not have initially wanted Cuomo out, they stood by him until the political climate shifted. That just goes to show: Anything can be excused if it aligns with corporate benefactors, while noncompliance is intolerable.
Platner has now become a fresh target, making him particularly vulnerable.
Similarly, Al Franken fell from grace over what many saw as a minor infraction—an ill-considered, sexist joke captured on film—after being turned on by a fellow Democratic senator. This exemplifies the duality in how political expendables are treated within party ranks.
Adding to the intriguing arc of Platner’s narrative is the awareness that someone clearly sought to remove him from the playing field. Cuomo, despite far worse transgressions, was taken down for his sexual misconduct. Why this disproportionate reaction? The implications could fill a chapter of their own.
Someone Wanted Him Gone…
Now, let’s focus on the broader implications concerning power dynamics and political structures. It’s evident that somebody aimed to dispose of him, leading us to examine who that ‘somebody’ is and the motivations behind such actions.
In this case, the primary players seem to be the Democratic establishment—state-level factions in Maine, influential senators in D.C., and the sprawling network that makes up the DNC, including well-compensated consultants and media partners. The avalanche of accusations began early on when the allegations were still shaky at best and clearly stemmed from political maneuvering in defense of Janet Mills, the establishment’s favored candidate. Platner’s anti-genocide and anti-AIPAC stance likely exacerbated this animosity, causing friction with influential political figures.
At the heart of this conspiracy lies Sen. Chuck Schumer, who typically prioritizes party loyalty over defeating Republicans. The late Howie Klein’s site, DownWithTyranny, is filled with similar accounts. In a 2016 piece, he describes Schumer as a publicity-seeking careerist, effectively a modern Boss Tweed, who demands complete compliance from candidates.
Here’s a quote:
A publicity-hound and dogged careerist, Schumer is widely considered a modern-day version of Boss Tweed, especially in the Senate, where he routinely tells candidates that it’s his way or the highway.
Recently he had a run-in of this nature with Admiral Joe Sestak who he tried to play the my-dick-is-bigger-than-yours game with. Basically, he told Sestak that when he (Schumer) says “jump,” the only acceptable response is “how high, sir?”
Ultimately, Schumer’s intervention resulted in recruiting a less competent primary opponent to ensure Sestak could not effectively compete. This tactic demonstrates Schumer’s preference for a Republican victory over a noncompliant Democrat. Such narratives are prevalent in Klein’s work, who paints Schumer as aggressively selfish even from his school days.
Motivation behind such conduct becomes clear: maintaining control over the party takes precedence over actual victories. Additionally, support for Israel’s extreme policies appears to be a non-negotiable requirement for Schumer and other elites within the party. It’s worth noting that total contributions linked to Israel to Schumer amount to a staggering $1,727,974, indicating the power of financial influence.
What’s Next?
The political landscape now seems to be intensifying. As I write, I am observing Rebecca Traister on MSNOW asserting that Platner has long been at odds with both Maine and national Democratic establishments, largely due to the genuine hope for change he brings to the table. Indeed, only opponents of the current structures can truly inspire such transformations.
While potential Platner-esque candidates are limited, Troy Jackson appears as a likely alternative. Shenna Bellows is also garnering attention on MSNOW. Further research into these candidates would be prudent.
Keep an eye on how the Party will decide and whom they will eventually endorse. Will Maine experience a Harris-style coronation—opting for a loyalist or mere pretender—rather than someone genuinely transformative?
Finally, observe how Maine voters react, particularly those who felt motivated by Platner’s defiance. The outcomes will provide valuable insights.
