1.What message do you have for the Democratic Party?
Graham was able to rally hundreds of thousands in Maine with his clear and articulate message of progressive democracy, getting the money out of politics, taxing the rich, universal health care and childcare, defense of LGBQT+ rights and reproductive rights, support for the Palestinian people and an end to US complicity in their genocide, and an end to US imperial wars and reducing, not expanding, the defense budget. It was his message and policies that galvanized so many folks from different backgrounds across Maine. Any process forward that does not include voices from that movement and continuing that agenda will fail to unite the electorate whose momentum toward real change is vibrant and expectant. The Democratic party has tried to suppress Platner's message from the get go in support of the status quo. It would be folly to proceed in that vein.
2.What message do you have for Graham?
I am grateful to Graham for fostering a progressive movement in Maine to take real steps to fight the takeover of governement by the wealthy and to try to right the ship of state so that we are a government of, by, and for the people. He has succeeded in that effort beyond my wildest dreams. His taking his campaign to so many town halls and public forums, his work at inclusion and seeking input about our concerns has built a powerful force for change. I have appreciated his honesty in owning the mistakes and poor behavior and judgment in the past and have hoped that we would be able to move past his history and be able to support his trajectory and embrace of moral compass. The most recent allegations cross a threshold that I think cannot be worked out in a puclic Senatorial campaign. They are serious, criminal allegations of sexual assault. I am not judge or jury and hope that Graham's adamant denial is true but do feel that it overshadows the campaign and will thwart the very movement he has worked so hard to propel forward.
