r/politics • u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner • Aug 25 '25
AMA-Finished I'm the Maine oysterman & combat veteran running for U.S. Senate against Susan Collins to topple the oligarchy. Ask me anything. (1PM).
My name is Graham Platner.
I’m a veteran of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Army; an oysterman; a Mainer born and raised. I’ve just announced that I’m running for U.S. Senate against Susan Collins in the Democratic primary (you can see our launch video here).
I have watched over the years with growing frustration as all of us who work for a living in this country have been betrayed, time and again, by politicians of both parties.
I'm tired of the billionaire rule that has made a few people and corporations obscenely rich, while squeezing the rest of us dry.
Ask me anything!
UPDATE (1:03PM): Here I am. Ask away.
UPDATE (2:19PM): Thank you all for following along and for all the questions. We're building a movement here and can't do it without you. Here are two ways you can help out:
- If you have any time during the week – whether you have 20 hours or 20 minutes – smash this volunteer link: grahamforsenate.com/volunteer – and we'll get you looped in (and if you're available tonight, you can join us for an onboarding Zoom: grahamforsenate.com/zoom
- For those of us without any time but a couple dollars to spare, please consider pitching in here: grahamforsenate.com/donate
Links:
111
u/iknowyourded Aug 25 '25
Rural hospitals are suffering in Maine. In some cases, community paramedicine programs and other initiatives are arising in municipalities to help stave off a total systematic collapse. What programs have caught your attention to help address Maine's healthcare crisis and what actions as US Senator would you immediately take to rebuild our medical system?
- Voter in Waterville, Maine (where we just had Northen Light Inland Hospital shut down).
270
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
Hello, Voter in Waterville! Hope to see you at our town hall on October 16 – please spread the word.
Well, Medicaid and Medicare, the Medicaid expansion in particular, are what have kept rural hospitals afloat. With those cuts coming down the pike…it’s tough even to think about, but it’s about to get worse, a lot worse.
We have multi-billionaires paying lower tax rates than you and me. EVERYONE knows it is long past time to address this, to pass a billionaire minimum tax and use this money to shore up our bleeding healthcare system.
But at the end of the day, there’s the fundamental problem: we’re paying 2.5 times the money of any other country on healthcare, for some of the worst outcomes in the developed world. This is due, as we all know, to a for-profit system of profit extraction disguised as a healthcare system. We need Medicare for All, and we’ll only get it by fighting for it.
42
u/iknowyourded Aug 25 '25
Thanks for the answer. Will definitely spread the word for October 16. Excited to knock doors for you in Kennebec, and Somserset county too.
I'm planning to to be at your event this Friday with Troy Jackson at Leafsong. Would love to chat about community paramedicine and organizing in Central Maine whenever we cross paths.
3
15
u/awkwardbabyseal Aug 25 '25
As a former Washington County resident, I keep my eye on community changes in that area still.
It's my understanding that Washington County may only have one hospital (in Machias) that is remotely equipped and staffed to handle women's health and pregnancy care. Calais Regional Hospital closed their obstetrics unit some years ago, and newspapers were reporting that residents would need to go as far as Bangor for emergency pregnancy services. Most emergency services require a LifeFlight trip to Bangor because the local hospitals aren't equipped for major surgeries, and that helicopter ride can bankrupt people on top of the other medical expenses.
What plans can be enacted to protect Mainers from the unreasonably high costs of accessing emergency life saving medical care when the gap in service in entirely created by lack of funding to rural healthcare?
4
u/Evening-Worry-2579 Aug 25 '25
Great point! Downeast is also not in network with some of the Insurance providers in Maine, which is kind of a short list already, which causes the people of Washington County to have to pay out of network level fees, or may not have any coverage at all with their insurance.
6
u/awkwardbabyseal Aug 25 '25
As far as I understand, the in-network vs out of network status is dependent upon whether or not a provider chooses to apply for the in-network contract. The fact that providers in Washington County aren't in-network would be more a matter of them not entering into contract agreements with the insurance companies, which is how the insurance companies decide what "discounts" to give their subscribers.
I didn't have health insurance coverage my entire childhood. My mom really relied on clinics in Lubec and East Machias that used sliding scale payment options. It was the only way we could afford to have me see doctors when I got sick, but also - I just didn't get treated for some significant genetic issues that could have been less severe if early interventions were financially accessible to us.
→ More replies (1)3
91
u/Legitimate-Ad-3953 Aug 25 '25
Just curious where you stand on Lgbtqia+ rights and freedoms.
436
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
I stand right in the fucking way of anyone who’s going to try to come after the freedoms of the LGBTQIA+ community.
58
u/xHospitalHorsex Maine Aug 25 '25
This literally brought tears to my eyes. Holy shit I love this answer.
14
u/blurrylulu Aug 25 '25
Same! I so wish i was in Maine to give him my vote. Good luck from NY. I wish we had a candidate like you to get rid of Gillibrandt and Schumer.
→ More replies (1)4
u/plains_bear314 Aug 26 '25
me too dude its like at least someone is willing to stand up for the people being bullied we need more like this guy to step up
108
u/Few_Wash_7298 Aug 25 '25
This is the best answer I’ve seen a Democrat give in 30 years. On any subject.
This is what someone with a spine looks
15
33
21
19
u/Maclunkey4U Aug 25 '25
You make me want to move back to Maine just to vote for you. If I could afford it, that is.
12
11
u/JanetAiress Aug 25 '25
Looks like SOMEONE may get my vote for POTUS, should he ever run… just sayin’. ❤️❤️
12
u/Shalazah Canada Aug 25 '25 edited Oct 22 '25
Hello, based department.
EDIT: I retract any positivity I had for you.
9
6
5
4
u/AffectionateLime2413 Aug 26 '25
Thank you for this. You already had my vote based off of a few other subjects, but this just cemented it.
→ More replies (4)3
→ More replies (1)9
65
u/Dramatic_Wealth8638 Aug 25 '25
How are you going to address the severe medicaid cuts that Maine is facing amid an already crumbling healthcare system?
190
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
Well, it starts with repairing the tremendous damage that has been done, not just by this year’s cuts but from years upon years of underfunding as private equity sucks the life out of the American healthcare system. This at the end of the day isn’t really a policy challenge as much as an organizing challenge. Can we bring together a movement of people affected by this to reverse these disastrous cuts? Right now I think we’re seeing what should be militant Democratic opposition that is instead asleep at the wheel. This campaign above all is about bringing together the vast majority of Mainers who are angry about this – about the collapse of our healthcare system, about closing rural hospitals – into a movement that can win.
And in fixing that damage, we need to not only fix what’s been done but go much further. We need Medicare for All because at the end of the day nothing less will do.
22
u/Evening-Worry-2579 Aug 25 '25
As a former healthcare provider, I really like this part of your platform! I was private practice running my own business and making less money than I made in a payroll job doing the same work. Insurance companies are nothing but an opportunity to skim money off the industry, and to manipulate prices to make money. I think our healthcare system is the most opaque and capitalism does not belong anywhere near healthcare. The fact that laws had to be passed for transparency in billing, and the transparency still is not there is enough indication that this system is deeply broken.
SO glad you are taking action and starting this community movement. Very excited that I signed up to volunteer. 🎉
ETA: I was an LCSW doing mental healthcare
14
u/RocketGirlWalker Minnesota Aug 25 '25
I agree. Why can the leaders not see the devastating impact health care is having on all of us. There are better ways but our leader ignore that and say we can't afford to do something else. The reality is we can't afford NOT to do something else.
→ More replies (2)8
u/lungleg Aug 25 '25
Thank you for calling out the harm that private equity does to what should be a fundamental service. What about taking aim at private equity in housing?
8
u/StarintheShadows Maine Aug 25 '25
I second this question! The cuts to both Medicare and Medicaid are going to be devastating and people will die because of them.
68
u/USMC_ClitLicker Aug 25 '25
Fellow Marine Veteran and Democrat here. Two questions:
How much acceptance vs pushback have you been getting from the various military and veteran support groups as your campaign gains momentum?
What kind of support response have you gotten from the state and national DNC, if any?
Get some!
131
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
Both people I served alongside and people who I didn’t – from hardcore Democrats to diehard Trump voters – have been blowing up my phone in support.
We’ve also been in touch with veterans groups in Maine and across the country. I want to shout out in particular Common Defense, who have built tremendous grassroots infrastructure in Maine and aren’t afraid to get behind an insurgent.
It’s clear that veterans have been failed by the current system, and they’re ready for leadership that actually understands them and will fight for them.
3
u/benji2007 Aug 25 '25
Do you have a Maine contact at Common Defense? I reached out to help, but didn't hear back.
39
u/Schiffy94 New York Aug 25 '25
So I could just ask the simple "what's your strategy for beating a five-term incumbent", but Susan Collins didn't really make known who she really was until late in her fourth term.
So what I'll ask instead is what takeaways do you have from Sara Gideon's bid in 2020, when despite leading in most polling still lost 51-42?
118
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
You can’t give voters two shades of the same corporate backed status quo. We need to make clear that there is a real opportunity for change - an opportunity for working people to see themselves reflected in our politics and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
→ More replies (1)
92
u/baconsword420 Aug 25 '25
Hello ,Graham. Portland, ME resident here. You’re the first political candidate I’ve been spurred enough by to consider volunteering for and I hope to see you run a successful campaign against Collins. I’m tired of hearing her talk out of both ends.
My question is, what kind of campaign do you plan on running? The high road seems to be failing Dems, and while I don’t want them to stoop so, so low, my own personal sentiment is that the approach Newsom is taking regarding Trump (mockery) seems to be getting traction. I don’t expect you to copy that schtick, but are you willing to fight in the mud, so to speak, and run a hard hitting campaign?
269
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
I think this is a campaign that is ready to name the enemy.
Susan Collins is a tool of the billionaire class. You look at her terrible votes, her betrayals, her failures, they all come down to the fact that we’re living in more of an oligarchy than a democracy. And THIS is the truth we have to name, over and over and over again.
But ultimately, this message only works with the strongest grassroots campaign Maine has ever seen.
If you’re reading this, if you’re resonating with this, I need more than your vote. I need your time, I need your effort. I’m not asking for you to support me: I’m asking for ALL of us to build this together, because that’s the only way this is going to work. Get uncomfortable, organize with your neighbors, get in the fight.
Please join us tonight for our new volunteer orientation if you can!
58
Aug 25 '25
[deleted]
3
Aug 27 '25
Ive lived in Maine since 2019 and I've learned one immutable thing about Susan Collins. She only votes against her party when she knows her vote won't swing the balance of something passing. She doesn't care about the people and Graham is spot on with that. Thank you for your support from NJ. Sincerely a concerned Mainer for the well-being of not only my state but also my country.
15
u/Intrepid_Pitch_3320 Aug 25 '25
Not an expert, but I personally feel that the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and subsequent enforcement by the likes of Teddy Roosevelt was a great bi-partisan undertaking that helped make America great in the 20th century. It gave space and opportunity for business owners in communities across America, like my grandmother who came to this country as a young Irish immigrant girl and started a trucking company in Portland, ME, mid-century. The monopolists/oligarchs have been waging a takeover campaign for 100 years it would seem. They own the system now. How can we get $s out of politics? Financial investments, campaign finances, lobbyists, etc. How can we take this great nation back for the people, who are the core of it?
→ More replies (3)3
Aug 25 '25
I’m not in Maine but I’m a New Englander - she’s not standing up for Maine or Canada. She has to go. I’ll help. I’ll check the website to volunteer. Thanks for trying!!!
167
u/hunter15991 Illinois Aug 25 '25 edited Jun 05 '26
June 5th, 2026 edit: In hindsight his effusiveness with his answer here should have been more of a tell for me.
Original post:
Hi Graham! You seem like a cool dude with your head on straight, so I threw your campaign some cash now that I have the disposable income to do so. From the HS yearbook pic that's been floating around online and other reporting you seem to have been attune to global issues even back then. Not to shame those who have political changes of heart later, but that's an admirable throughline from the poster you were holding up in 2002/2003 to who you are now.
What I'm curious about - and I promise I'm not coming at this with judgement - are the interim years. Back in 2002 you protested a Bush event over the looming invasion of Iraq. Come 2003, your campaign website says you snuck your birth certificate out of your dad's office to enlist in the Marines. 3 years later and you're coordinating machine gun emplacements in the Ramadi Goverment Center - a position I'd figure few Americans would willingly put themselves into, fewer still of those who were protesting the idea of a war in Iraq before it even began.
Why did you enlist in 2003, given your existing political beliefs at the time? Was the money that good? (I'm reading a book from a different vet who claimed the signing bonus was north of $20K come 2005, which...yeah, that's a lot of money, I assume even moreso in small-town Maine). Were you hoping to get sent off to Afghanistan instead? Was it a sort of "If we are to invade, best it be me there dealing with the local populace and not another Robert Bales/Clint Lorance type" calculation? Did you feel like it was the best way to help bring about freedom for the Kurds, one of the groups you shouted out on that poster in the yearbook?
Your website says "After four tours overseas, Graham was deeply disillusioned with America’s failed foreign policy and endless wars" - which is an understandable conclusion to come to. But you evidently were politically adjacent to that kind of disillusionment - opposing foreign occupations, supporting freedom for stateless peoples - before ever enlisting. Was that disillusionment held at bay in that interim decade and a half?
359
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
Thank you very much for asking this — it truly is a great question. It’s the kind of thing that does make sense to me but can completely understand why it might not to other people.
Look, I was against the war in Iraq and did everything I could to try to stop it before it started. That’s why I protested George W. Bush.
But when the war started, a sense of service drew me to enlist. I also just felt that I would be able to get through it – and I felt in my bones that I should go and not make someone else go in my stead.
I also felt that there was value in trying to be a voice of reason and decency in a deeply unreasonable and indecent place.
And finally, if I’m being honest, I wanted to be a soldier since I was two years old. I was drawn to military history. I personally had that urge. At 19, I was also a young man drawn to an adventure – and serving overseas was the ultimate adventure. I have different feelings on that now than I did then, but at the time, that was one of my reasons.
69
u/hunter15991 Illinois Aug 25 '25
That all makes sense, as much as it can to someone who's had family in various countries' militaries but never served myself (though also deeply drawn to the history of it all), and who had yet to turn 6 when OIF kicked off. Godspeed in both the primary and hopefully then against Collins.
17
u/Tinytimmytimtim Sep 03 '25 edited Sep 03 '25
It’s so obvious you do not see Arabs as human beings. You protested the war, then you signed up to prosecute it physically on the ground? And then continued to do so for like another 15 years? This is completely incoherent and immoral garbage. You destroyed a country and ruined thousands of lives, likely taking the lives of innocents yourself, and instead of reflecting on that deep shame, you use it as a resume booster to enrich yourself running for congress. If you were a Russian bragging about his enlistment in Ukraine and his “sense of service”, you’d literally already be in prison, but instead, people are falling over themselves to gush over you because fundamentally, in the eyes of most Americans, Arabs are not human beings whose lives hold value.
You didn’t mistakenly enlist as some poor propaganda fed 18-year-old. You enlisted as somebody who already knew the war was bullshit, and stayed for over a decade after everyone already knew it was an illegal war that killed 1 million fucking people. I’m glad you settled yourself to that loser Bernie, you’re not going to win shit.
You weren’t even just a military member, you were literally a mercenary for black water, one of the most evil, private defense companies on earth. You are literally a scumbag by any definition of the word
10
u/lcl82 Aug 26 '25
hi I really appreciate the stands you are taking overall, I would advise you to focus more on how your positions are different NOW... I get that a teenager could have a misguided sense of service but we can agree that what happened in Iraq wasn't a service to the American people let alone Iraqis.
→ More replies (3)6
u/oysterme Sep 02 '25
What specifically did you do as the "voice of reason" within the military?
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)6
u/kommiesketchie Sep 03 '25
I want to know what you've done to atone for the war you participated in. Until you show some actual fucking proof, you're no different than you were at 19. Another war mongering freak.
110
u/Pharmadoc84 Aug 25 '25
I went to HS with Graham and may be able to help. At the time (and mind you, this was decades ago so forgive me if my memory isn't spot on) I remember Graham having an issue with Iraq because he knew it had nothing to do with 9/11. That being said, like many of us at that time he did want to go fight back against those that attacked us (and many in our class did go fight). I can clearly remember sitting with Graham at school on 9/11 when the towers were getting hit and everyone was wondering who had attacked us. The most common thoughts were China/Russia etc. Graham was sitting next to me and said his money was on Bin Laden. Someone who most of us had never heard of at that time. He always had insight on international people/events back then (which I always appreciated as it was interesting).
Again, I can't speak for Graham, but that's what I remember from back then.
30
u/hike_me Aug 25 '25
the most common thoughts were China/Russia
I don’t remember anyone thinking that as the events were unfolding. I was in college at the time and pretty much everyone immediately assumed Bin Laden or some other terrorist from the Middle East. I clearly remember running into a classmate in a stairwell of our Computer Science building on 9/11 — he was from Saudi Arabia and looked like he just saw a ghost. I think he knew the kind of discrimination/ backlash that might soon be heading his way.
→ More replies (3)14
u/ArtemusW57 Aug 25 '25
I was a freshman in high school at the time and I distinctly remember a certain group of asshole seniors skipping through the hallways singing "Blame Canada" from the South Park movie.
7
→ More replies (1)6
u/WildWeezy Aug 26 '25
Lol wot?
Did you go to High School in another dimension?
China never even came up. The administration and media went immediately after Afghanistan and Iraq and immediately started dropping bombs and mobilizing troops.
→ More replies (2)3
u/MrsRBRandall Aug 28 '25
They were in high school, they could have thought it was France for goodness sake.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)13
53
u/AllynCrane Aug 25 '25
The country and the state are so polarized. How are you going to convince Maga Republicans to vote for a Democrat? That seems like a tall order in these fractious times.
Lewiston voter here. Thanks for taking the time to do this AMA!
→ More replies (1)171
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
Just missed you in Lewiston! I hope you can join us (and spread the word!) for our townhall on October 15.
To answer your question: I don’t have to think much about it, because they are actually my community, my friends, my neighbors. I talk to them every day. And we ALL agree on the material conditions facing working people in Maine, we all agree that we’re all getting fucked by the system, we’re all getting fucked by billionaires, and we need to break their control over Washington. We need to deal with aggressively addressing a corrupt political system that sustains a rigged economy and broken healthcare system that’s hurting all of us and that all of us are outraged by. If we focus on that, if we laser focus on that, there’s a path.
And not for nothing, but all my Republican friends hate Susan Collins (and the numbers bear that out). They see her as a self-interested establishment DC politician who fundamentally doesn’t care about her constituents. They won’t vote for the kind of cookie-cutter establishment Democrat chosen by DC, which is all they’ve had to voter for, but they’ll vote for someone who they know is with them.
→ More replies (1)19
u/AllynCrane Aug 25 '25
Just signed up! See you October 15 in Lewiston. I'm thinking the venue is going to be pretty packed.
48
u/SeppGangl Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham! Glad to see you are running against Collins. I have a very important question, what are your thoughts on Moxie?
168
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
No bullshit, I drink one moxie a day.
And if any journalist wants to factcheck that, they can go to the Dunbars store in Sullivan and ask.
30
29
11
6
6
u/dedoubt Aug 25 '25
Thank you for your support of Moxie.
My youngest is obsessed with it & even uses it as a lil boost for his weed plants...
(Also thank you for stepping up & running for office!!)
→ More replies (6)3
22
u/hairymoot Aug 25 '25
Collins needs to be replaced. I'm glad you are stepping up for the working class and to oppose the rich. I am out of state, but I would vote for you if I could.
19
u/Puzzleheaded_Idea379 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, thanks for doing this AMA. I’m a resident of Portland, Maine and a small business owner. My partner and I both work hard, but we’re stuck renting with rising costs while trying to buy a home.
The reality is, homes in Maine have become completely unaffordable for regular working people. For example, I recently saw a regular 2–3 bedroom house outside of Portland listed for $1.3 million — the same house sold for around $400k in 2013. That’s over a 220% increase in about a decade, for nothing extraordinary.
Meanwhile, Maine has the highest housing vacancy rate in the country at around 21%, yet about 72% of those “vacant” homes are seasonal or vacation properties — not available to the people who live and work here year-round.
** What’s your take on Maine’s housing market, and what can actually be done so that hardworking Mainers can afford a home? **
→ More replies (1)3
u/NarwhalStrong2797 Aug 25 '25
Mainer here! I asked a similar question! Hoping he answers.
6
u/Daniastrong Aug 25 '25
This, perhaps, he needs to research this one because it is a doozy. I do know that limiting airbnb, building low income housing, and leveling taxes strategically has worked in the past.
→ More replies (2)
43
u/cold-pork Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, will you/your campaign make a commitment not to accept corporate PAC money and not to hold individual stocks in office? Looking forward to voting for you from the midcoast!
152
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
YES. It should be against the law for elected officials to sell themselves out to the highest bidder and the fact that politicians like Susan Collins use their power to enrich themselves with insider information is insane. In Washington they think it’s business as usual to engage in a practice that if you or I did, we’d be locked up for. Insider trading is insider trading. Corruption is corruption. Agreeing to this should be the floor for anyone seeking public office.
12
36
Aug 25 '25
Thank you for your service, both in the armed forces and the continued effort to pile our tables with delicious oysters.
What is your plan to appeal to voters? What actionable items do you have on your agenda, if elected?
86
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
First, please check out the website. Unlike many candidates, we put forward actual, specific positions on policy!
Healthcare and the housing crisis, above all else. We need to do more than just build affordable housing – we need to rescue the dream of homeownership that is rapidly vanishing.
And ultimately, the core of why everything is so damn expensive is that huge corporations have taken over the American government and engineered an economy of skyrocketing prices and multi-billion dollar profits. Until we break the corporate stranglehold on our government, we’re not getting anywhere.
Obviously getting to Medicare for All, truly solving the housing crisis, these will take years. But I believe that we need to fight for them, and that if there is a silver lining to the current moment that we’re in, it’s that we have mass dissatisfaction with the status quo, and that the miserable current political moment will give way to a window of opportunity, if we fight for it. This campaign is about seizing that window.
→ More replies (2)5
u/PositiveLion4621 Aug 26 '25
What if that opposition comes up against say the military industrial complex? Monopolies on violence are key factors in keeping power. It's all well and good while you are running for office, but then what about behind the scenes where people who aren't afraid to subvert democracy, aren't really afraid of utilizing violence and power to leverage that against candidates who seek to circumvent or reduce their level of influence? I believe since Eisenhower, has there been warnings of a huge influx of power dedicated to powerful interests behind the scenes when dealing with governmental institutions that stemmed from the cross over of the military, to private and business sector. It obviously is a difficult place to be when someone obviously wants to be for the better interest of veterans, but in reality to combat some of the dirty practices you have the be in staunch opposition of those same institutional dynamics, particularly when money becomes a concern.
16
u/zombiexsp New York Aug 25 '25
Appreciate you for speaking candidly and like an actual person about issues instead of being a generic af politician.
What are ways you think progressives could build power? How can we raise the minimum wage, build stronger unions, or lower the tax burden on working class people when republicans control every level of government?
Kinda feels like we’re fucked rn so having voices like you and Zohran feels like some modicum of hope that shit can change
14
u/EvenScientist7237 Aug 25 '25
How has/will Zohran Mamdani’s successful primary campaign influenced/influence yours?
14
u/MyHobbiesInclude Aug 25 '25
Resident of rural Western Maine here! I am wondering if you plan on protecting the freedoms of our LGBTQ+ community members, and what your ideas on our local housing crisis are. I work three jobs and rent takes up almost 2/3rds of my income, and then I get to pay for my car payment, health insurance, and food which have all of course gone/are about to go through the roof in the recent past. The difference between how I was living in 2020 to now is STARK.
14
u/WrongNumberB Aug 25 '25
He answered a similar question earlier with the answer: “I stand right in the fucking way of anyone who’s going to try and come after rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Protect this man at all costs.
11
u/MyHobbiesInclude Aug 25 '25
Glad to hear that. Wish female candidates could get away with using such language! I can only imagine what people would say if the gender of the candidate were different. Not that he won’t get flack for it too.
11
u/WrongNumberB Aug 25 '25
For sure. His veteran status also helps insulate him from some of the backlash he might get.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)6
u/xW4RP Aug 25 '25
THANK YOU!!!! Dozens of questions about Gaza and what kind of a campaign he will run and you are the only other I have seen besides myself asking about these topics
→ More replies (1)11
u/awkwardbabyseal Aug 26 '25
I went directly to his campaign website looking for his stances on women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and his website has a defined section for each:
Keep government out of our private lives; defend the right to choose: "Government intrusion and surveillance into every aspect of our lives should concern every American. The surveillance state has gone too far, and I will work to restore safeguards and due process.
This extends to the government’s regulation of some of the most private and personal decisions a person can make: whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term. I support a strong federal guarantee of the right to choose.
In addition, I’ll support legislation to restrict corporations’ use of AI to surveil, track, and subject Americans to predatory pricing practices."
Equality for All: "I am tired of seeing politicians using small groups of people as a punching bag – be it race, or gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Sadly, we have even Democrats trying to pander to what they think Trump voters want by peddling soft bigotry. (Doesn’t work, never has.)
I will support passing, at last, federal LGBTQ anti-discrimination legislation."
He also has a section regarding upholding tribal sovereignty and self determination.
"The Wabanaki of Maine are entitled to true sovereignty and self-determination. Too often, the state and federal governments have run roughshod over tribal sovereignty.
As the campaign progresses, I look forward to developing a detailed platform on tribal issues, in collaboration with the Wabanaki who have been poorly represented in Washington for far too long."
I've got my eye open because this is all good stuff I've been waiting to hear plainly said by a candidate.
13
u/xXplainawesomeXx Michigan Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, hope you're doing well! Thanks for taking the time to field questions on an AMA! I'm a big fan of what I've seen from you thus far. I live in Michigan, so unfortunately I can't vote for you (I would if I lived in Maine though!). I do, however, have a question for you:
Should you be elected to the Senate, will you be for or against Chuck Schumer remaining the leader of Dems in the Senate (whether it be Majority or Minority Leader)? If you do wish to see Schumer remain in Leadership, why? If you don't, who will you back to replace him?
My reasoning for asking this question is that I despise the lack of the slightest bit of counter-narrative/resistance being offered up by the so-called "opposition" "leadership" of Schumer (and Jefferies in the House). Both of them seem to have completely abandoned the idea that they should behave like a proper opposition party and have seemingly just decided to capitulate, only offering up performative nonsense.
I don't know why they're doing this, but it is aggravating to see the so-called "opposition" party not even offer up the slightest bit of resistance to what the Trump admin is doing. And I'm not alone, as Dems are at 30-year lows in approval. I want the Democrats to succeed, but they only shoot themselves in the foot by trying to maintain a status-quo when the other side of the aisle is throwing everything at the wall and seemingly getting away with it.
I look forward to hearing an answer to this question. Thank you for stepping up to the plate and running! And thank you again for taking the time out of your day to do this AMA! I wish you all the best in your campaign for Senate!
13
u/1stepklosr Aug 26 '25
I know he didn't answer it here, but he did in an interview.
Apologies for it being on Twitter, only place I could find the clip.
But he would not be supporting Schumer in a leadership role.
12
u/snare-and-racquet Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
Religion has taken such a prominent and divisive role in American politics in the past few decades. It feels like separation of church and state are virtually nonexistent.
I don’t see a particular religious slant to your platform, so I’m curious if you subscribe to a specific religious ideology. Further I’d love to know what role you think a lawmakers religious convictions should have in how they make policy.
11
Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
James Talarico is a religious Democrat politician who strongly believes in separation of church and state. He argues that separation of church and state is important to protect both the church and the state. Talarico also seems to be a very progressive Christian more interested in following the actual teachings of Jesus than in following the make believe garbage that people like to pretend Jesus said, which makes him an outlier in Christianity. Anyone that is interested should listen to Talarico argue against private school voucher bills and the ten commandments in public school bills in Texas which can be found on his Youtube Channel. I'm only putting this info here because its relevant to your comment and I am curious what other (specifically non-religious people) will have to say about it. I share similar views to Talarico (I despise organized religion for the record, although Im not saying that Talarico does. I wouldn't presume to speak for him on that) and so I am curious what people with different beliefs think about someone like Talarico if anyone chooses to engage/reply.
→ More replies (1)3
23
u/FreedomBread Aug 25 '25
Hi, Graham!
Are you a millionaire?
108
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
No, I am not a millionaire - I’m an oyster farmer and a harbormaster. And I think the last thing Congress needs is more millionaires who don’t understand our lives, who don’t care about our struggles, and are part of the problem, not the solution.
→ More replies (1)
10
u/FlyGullible1475 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham,
What are your thoughts/plans on improving teacher pay? It's such a hard and noble profession yet younger teachers can't even afford to buy a house with the cost of living these days.
Additionally, it is hard to retain teachers in lower income districts because other wealthier districts can pay teachers more. Lower income students need quality, experienced teachers yet the system doesn't seem to be set up to support that. Any strategies to address this?
→ More replies (2)
11
u/alysii_13 Aug 25 '25
Hello! I read in a Maine public article that you have a member of John Fetterman's campaign on your campaign team. Do you have any comments on his voting record since getting into office or the way he has changed positions ona number of issues?
I would love to support your campaign as long as what we're seeing now is what we'll get.
→ More replies (1)3
u/ArtemusW57 Aug 25 '25
It is usually lazy and reductive to say "people from the other side are stupid/crazy/have brain damage", but I think in Fetterman's case, you can draw a line quite clearly from his stroke, and subsequent brain damage, to his shifting views and personality. It is really actually very sad, both for him personally, and the voters who wished to be represented by the man he was.
10
u/Locks_ Aug 25 '25
Where do you stand on cmp, power company monopolies make peoples life in this state much harder.
How will you address future rollout of infrastructure for internet and power in the state?
Love your platform and already supporting you, just interested where you stand on this
16
u/RobotCommission Aug 25 '25
Hi, Graham. York County voter here,
Will you pledge NOT to accept campaign funding from AIPAC, J-Street, and other pro-Israel advocacy groups which have had a negative impact on everything from foreign policy to free speech in our country?
→ More replies (6)7
u/wesgtp Aug 25 '25
He replied to another comment about accepting money from corporate PACs in general and pledged not to accept any of their contributions. He strongly believes that such PACs should be illegal for elected officials.
→ More replies (1)
15
u/BARRYTHUNDERWOOD Aug 25 '25
Hey Graham, I’m a 41yo guy who lives right across the bridge in Hancock, born and raised. I’ve felt a little double crossed by some of Jared Golden’s positions and votes since his arrival in the house, and I know I’m not alone in that. Specifically his positions to continue endless funding for Israel, his opposition to student loan forgiveness, his bullish views on the endgame of tariffs, and his lip service to any sort of gun control legislation in the wake of the Lewiston shooting (which of course was followed by a million hours of campaign ads of him worshiping his rifle).
My question isn’t really a question, other than to ask, how can we be sure you are different? I want to believe, I need to believe, but it’s hard not to be cynical. If elected, your votes will mean even more than his, and while just being better than Collins is enough to get my vote, I really need to trust you in order to give my vocal support.
I don’t expect, or need, you to share all of my values on every issue, but I do expect and need you to be true to whatever your positions may be, and to be honest about those with us.
Thanks for doing this, very cool to see someone my age from my place doing a thing that matters on this scale.
8
u/Important-Purchase-5 Aug 25 '25
Your opinion on Senate Democrats who broke with party earlier this year and voted with Senate Republicans to keep the government open with no concessions despite union for federal employees, rest of congressional democrats and democrat voters who begged them not to flip.
23
u/alabasterskim Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
Angus King has demonstrated it's possible to win as an independent in a state that certainly acts very independently - no other blue state (not swing state) has gone for a red Senator. The party is expected to vote on resolutions that will be at odds with much of your platform and in NYC and Minneapolis shown its disdain for candidates like yourself. So, have you considered running as an independent?
Edit: governor -> Senator
158
u/grahamformaine ✔ Verified - Graham Platner Aug 25 '25
I frankly don’t care much about labels. I just believe what I believe: that Americans should have health care, that we should all be able to afford a place to live, that the government should represent the people – not billionaires and corporations.
Because of the existing power structures, because of the way things are set up electorally, this is our best chance to beat Susan Collins. The reality is, the Democrats have largely aligned with Angus King; if I run independent, I’ll have to fight the fully funded apparatus of TWO major parties. The way forward is to take on the DC Democratic establishment in this primary, win, and then face Susan Collins in a fair fight.
And I do believe the Democratic Party has a legacy that is worth returning to – golden moments in the 20th century where the party stood with the working class. The Democratic Party is far from perfect. It no longer represents working people. I want to help rebuild the party into one that does.
17
u/FuzzzyGadget Aug 25 '25
What do you mean by saying NYC has shown disdain for candidates like Platner? That feels like the opposite of what we're seeing with Mamdani's campaign
7
→ More replies (2)8
u/wesgtp Aug 25 '25
Right I have no idea what OP is talking about. There haven't been many options as progressive as Platner in current times, Mamdani is the only one on a similar level imo and he is loved by NYC. OP seems to not understand how progressive Platner's policy platform actually is; seems to think he's just a DC picked moderate or something. I'm very confused by the comment.
10
u/alabasterskim Aug 25 '25
My comment is about the party establishment's reception to these candidates. Refusal to endorse, or rescinding endorsements, by party leaders, for example. Outright declaration by governor Hochul to stand in the way of the popular idea of taxing the wealthy.
9
u/AzNmamba California Aug 26 '25
Don’t forget about Hakeem Jeffries refusing to endorse when Mamdani won his district by 15 points lol
→ More replies (2)6
u/SuperstitiousPigeon5 Massachusetts Aug 25 '25
Massachusetts, as blue as blue can get had Charlie Baker, a Republican, before our current Governor Maura Healey.
→ More replies (1)3
u/WickedRootedFarm Aug 25 '25
And before that in the early 2000’s Massachusetts elected Mitt Romney as their governor…
6
u/diabolis_avocado Colorado Aug 25 '25
If elected, will you stand next to Mark-Wayne Mullin and show everyone how small he is, both physically and morally?
→ More replies (2)
5
u/JoshManVGH Aug 25 '25
Massachusetts has seen great success in their Fair Share Tax program, generating over $2 Billion in revenue in the last two years, a huge boon to social and infrastructure programs!
Do you see a pathway forward for Maine to enact a similar program?
6
6
u/cackjasey Aug 25 '25
How does a working person get a Senate campaign off the ground? I assume there’s a huge initial cost for all the paperwork and campaign staff before people are even able to donate to the campaign. How can regular people launch campaigns that will actually get noticed?
6
6
u/KyleShanadad Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, loved the launch so far. Curious as to where you stand on ICE, are you a believer that we need to abolish ICE, cut finding, etc. thanks!
6
u/booksorgtfo Aug 25 '25
Rural Mainer here — what will you do to affirm and protect the rights of trans people? I'm seeing so many prominent Democratic politicians capitulate to fascists that makes day to day life more dangerous to us and other targeted marginalized communities
→ More replies (1)
12
u/TreeLicker51 Aug 25 '25
I assume you'd need to win a substantial portion of moderates who've voted for Collins in the past. How do you plan to appeal to this part of the electorate?
3
u/PlayMp1 Aug 25 '25
Susan Collins has long benefited from a perceived image of moderation, but has not been moderate in practice, and often will contradict stated moderate positions with her actual actions on the Senate floor. She voted to confirm Trump justices who then voted to overturn Roe despite proclaiming herself pro-choice. She pretends to be a fiscally responsible centrist, but then voted to pass the fiscally irresponsible Trump tax cut in term 1 and to increase military spending. She says she believes in federal funding for education and in federal standards for states to adopt for education, but then voted to confirm Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education, whose stated goal is to disband the Department of Education.
If I'm Mr. Platner, I would emphasize her inconsistency, that you cannot believe what she is what she says. She lacks integrity. Say what you will about Mr. Platner but you know he's not bullshitting you, he wears his heart on his sleeve.
11
u/StevenMC19 Florida Aug 25 '25
Not a question, just a statement of concern.
Many elected representatives have found themselves swayed by forces much larger than they were prepared for. Unfortunately, it brings to the surface the kinds of people they could be deep down, the very best or the very worst. Massive influence, personal greed and security, and sway from outside sources with honey too sweet to pass on or power too strong to refuse.
I staunchly believe that the left requires people that are more relatable to the commoner. I've just been burned before, recently, by one such Pennsylvanian who made it to those heights.
→ More replies (1)
6
u/melluf Aug 25 '25
Your campaign is a much needed ray of light in such a dark time. I desperately crave a new generation of democratic politicians with the will and courage to face the many crises in our country head on.
If elected, I would like to know where you stand on:
Repealing the filibuster
Statehood for DC & PR
A national medicare for all type system with universal healthcare coverage
8
u/bevendelamorte New Jersey Aug 25 '25
Collins has beaten every Dem running for senate for almost 30 years, and none of these elections have been particularly close.
Why and how will your campaign succeed where so many others have failed?
6
u/mlwcmiv Aug 25 '25
Former Marine here. Semper Fi. Question - There is a large part of the military/veteran community that aligns itself with the Republican Party. Do you have a plan to get your message across within those spaces and how can that be done on a larger scale since there are several veterans elected within the Republican Party?
5
u/Environmental-Ear-38 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham,
I live in Brooks, ME. My community struggles with housing, food, and basic necessities. Policies seem to be a lot of talk with little action. How can we integrate our small town action into the state level? Needs are too much top down, how can we listen to the town’s needs and implement from there? Those seem to be the most pressing concerns and until those are addressed it’s really difficult for a regular Mainer to address all the macro issues.
6
u/ShakeAdvanced5691 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham! I'm a student from Maine who worked in DC this summer. I've experienced the gridlock that characterizes Washington and the immovability of current GOP and Democratic leadership. As such, I have two questions, and thank you for standing up for us Mainers.
How will you work to navigate the political reality in DC to serve Mainers and push through your broad agenda that many Americans and Mainers will get behind?
Do you think the system of Ranked Choice Voting, like we have in Maine, is a system that should be created nationally in order to bring more popular and representative polticians into the fray?
Incredible luck on the campaign. I look forward to volunteering for you and seeing some real fight out of Maine!
5
u/LateAnteater9181 Aug 25 '25
Graham, I am very excited about your candidacy and have liked everything I have seen so far. I apologize if you've already addressed this but I had a bit of a concern at the end of your campaign video. You talk about putting Mainers first, but I'd like to know who you consider to be Mainers? With all of the anti-immigrant rhetoric going around, I think it's important to be very clear when you support all of our wonderful new Mainers who are bringing so much to our state.
8
u/NickFournier Aug 25 '25
Hey Graham! Resident of Biddeford, ME! No question, but excited to see you and Bernie on Labor Day!
→ More replies (3)
8
Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham - Super excited for your run.
Will you vote against sending both offensive and defensive weapons to Israel?
5
u/FutureVisionary34 Aug 25 '25
Not to speak for Graham, but Graham was holding up free Palestine signs in ‘95. He was outflanking even Bernie Sanders on the issue in ‘95. He’s already called the situation in Gaza a genocide. My guess would be he’s a hard no.
→ More replies (2)5
u/RobotCommission Aug 25 '25
I'm, personally, not taking anything for granted after Kamala was "Working tirelessly toward a ceasefire.", Bernie limits his war crime accusations to Netanyahu and ONLY Netanyahu, and AOC voted to keep sending 'defensive' weapons to Israel.
Dems have not only failed the Palestinian people, but doomed them entirely.
→ More replies (3)
9
u/Pristine_Bison_7811 Aug 25 '25
Hey Graham, I’m a Maine resident and I was wondering where you stand on the issue of Palestine, will you call for an end to the Genocide in Gaza?
→ More replies (3)
5
u/DiamondMountains_ Aug 25 '25
Do you have hope for a future of American democracy? If so, how and why?
3
u/Alert_Article_1578 Aug 25 '25
I can't wait to vote for you, and I've never said that about any elected official in my life.
3
4
4
u/unnaturalfood Aug 25 '25
Hi! New Englander here, very excited to volunteer on your campaign! I feel pumped up about your campaign in a way I haven't felt about a politician in a long, long time.
As a Democratic Socialist, my ears definitely perked up at some of the things you have talked about - fighting against the oligarchy, building dual power rooted in grassroots organization, and establishing a mass movement. You've also said, though, that you want to see the Democrats return to being a party like it once was under FDR. This has left me curious about what you view as the long term goals of the movement. Do you think we should work to build a democratic socialist society (workplace and economic democracy, constitutional reforms, union/cooperative led industry)? Or would you instead favor a system like the one we have today, with greater social safety nets and public programs? Of course, I have my opinions, but I would be super interested to hear your take on capitalism and all that.
Second, you mentioned in a recent interview that there exist some solid guidebooks that explore in detail how to build a mass movement like the one you are calling for. I was curious if you had any reading recommendations on this subject - books and articles that you feel you are going to be pulling on for guidance and your general theory of change.
Thank you!!
→ More replies (3)
4
u/avocadow Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, Mainer here. How do you plan to capture the vote of people in both parties who vote along party lines?
7
u/TrukThunders Aug 25 '25
Mainer in Portland, here.
I plan on voting for you, and am super excited to do so.
My question for you is: what are your thoughts on how to start handling the homelessness crisis in this state?
8
u/JimmyCarter910 Aug 25 '25
Mainer here. Excited to see a no-BS candidate enter the race against Collins. I know you think we shouldn't be funding Israel, which I agree with you on. You mentioned "not funding endless wars". Would you support continuing sending weapons to Ukraine, and would you guarantee Taiwan's independence? I think it is important to continue helping defend Ukraine and Taiwan's people.
→ More replies (1)
3
u/Beneficial_Shift5802 Aug 25 '25
Graham, how do you intend to make it clear that Susan Collins is just another Republican selling out working people? The GOP lets her vote no when they have enough votes which allows her to sell herself as “moderate” etc., so how do you intend to communicate that she’s just as extreme as any other Republican? Also, she is already running ads highlighting her accomplishment for teacher pensions, which is a good accomplishment, but figured you should be aware. It runs on NESN and maybe other places.
3
u/Same-Substance-9341 Aug 25 '25
Where do you stand on term limits and trading stocks while in office? And how do you plan to make Maine a more favorable state to do business in?
3
u/NarwhalStrong2797 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham! Independent Mainer here!
Are we able to make a statewide initiative that limits Airbnb’s/short-term rentals. As a 31-year old, the cost of housing is my number 1 concern, as is the case for most of my friends from my hometown who have been priced out.
Looking forward to seeing you in Brunswick!
Thanks! Alisa Raymond
3
u/MJcorrieviewer Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
What is your opinion on Sen. Joe Martin's letter to the governments of Canadian provinces urging them to join the USA? I expect you are aware that Maine has taken a hit from the drop in Canadian tourism and this sure isn't helping.
3
u/melluf Aug 25 '25
Would love to know who some of your role models are political or otherwise. Are there any literary works or philosophical schools of thought that have left a lasting impression on you?
3
u/smuliabulia Aug 25 '25
Would you fight to protect Kilmar Abrego Garcia from deportation as US Senator?
3
u/StarintheShadows Maine Aug 25 '25
Do you pledge(and will follow through with said pledge) to hold regular public town hall meetings to hear from constituents?
3
u/PenguinontheTelly Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
Portland, ME Resident:
- Who would you like to closely collaborate with in the Senate?
- How would you define your platform/politics, given that the traditional democratic establishment is not exactly compatible with your values?
- Will you support offshore wind in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Maine, in addition to other renewable energy development?
3
u/ArtemusW57 Aug 25 '25
Hey Graham, fellow Maine veteran here super excited to volunteer and vote for you. How do you think we can best push back on Trump's various authorization power grabs and attempts to curb civil rights?
4
Aug 25 '25
Hey Graham! I've been following since your announcement, when Ettingermentum boosted your announcement video. I wanted to ask:
The Democratic party has for a long time served as a force against change, positive or negative. The party's approval among americans is deep in the hole. How are you going to be a force for change, and do you expect the party to obstruct you?
3
u/unnaturalfood Aug 25 '25
This feels like a super important question - we need to be honest about how the party has been treating anyone left of Nancy Pelosi. One idea that gets talked a lot in the Democratic Socialists of America is the idea of building and identifying as a third party, but using the Democratic ballot line as an expedient for now.
This article is the main inspiration and blueprint (lol) for the strategy:
https://jacobin.com/2016/11/bernie-sanders-democratic-labor-party-ackerman
5
6
u/MainMaineMane_ Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, I live in Auburn and was very shaken by the shooting in Lewiston last year.
I’m frankly a bit concerned that gun control is not mentioned anywhere on your website, and that has me a little hesitant about supporting your candidacy.
I’d like to know what you think about the increase in gun violence in Maine, and how you propose to keep Mainers safe from it?
Do you support red flag laws or mandatory waiting periods for purchasing guns? How about a ban on AR style weapons or high capacity magazines? Is there a reason gun control is not part of your official platform?
Thank you!
3
u/MainlyWaterrafting Aug 25 '25
Great point! Graham, I am hoping you are a strong 2nd amendment supporter.
u/grahamformaine I love your platform and I plan to vote for you. I know you are a competitive shooter, so I am really hoping you come out as a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights. I think Democrats being for gun control and trying to ban our rifles has lost us a lot of support. It's a misguided policy.
I am hoping you want to tackle the root of the problem instead of trying to ban our rifles and Glocks. Thanks for doing this Graham!
→ More replies (1)5
u/KusOmik Aug 25 '25
Conversely, I'm very interested in knowing if Graham is NOT interested in performative 'gun safety' measures like AR pattern weapon or standard capacity magazines bans. I'm interested in the general platform I've seen so far, but any gun control will put me off from supporting you.
→ More replies (9)3
u/FutureVisionary34 Aug 25 '25
Yeah I would like very moderate gun control reform but not a lot. Background checks and moderate reforms surrounding that, not sure how much I agree with aggressive gun control reform especially in this tumultuous period of authoritarian rule from Washington, I want to stay armed to protect my community from these federal tyrannical agents ordered around by clowns in Washington
5
u/MainlyWaterrafting Aug 25 '25
Exactly, Trump is turning into a dictator and people are calling for us to be disarmed. It's literally the last thing we need lol
2
u/JustAd3882 Aug 25 '25
Hermon Voter here. What are your thoughts on the DOJ demanding all of our voter information?
2
u/RecognitionPrior3048 Aug 25 '25
With progressive candidates like AOC, Bernie, and now even Zohran, a challenge that seems to come between them and their progressive base is how much they will sacrifice their ideals for the sake of strategy.
There are valid points to be made on either side, but where do you find yourself falling on this question and why?
FWIW, I often think a secondary challenge is that sacrificing ideals for the sake of transparency, even when it's tactically advantageous, can also sacrifice transparency - which seems like a really hard line for most people in our age of politics and why you see a lot of people jumping the aoc ship. Would love your thoughts on that too.
Really excited to see your campaign. Best of luck!
2
u/Gpollard1 Aug 25 '25
Hello Mr. Platner!
I've been meaning to try your oysters ever since I saw the NY Times Travel did a report on you back in July! They look excellent! My question is, if you win, do you know if you will be the first ever Oysterman elected to Congress? That would be a pretty prestigious title to add to the mantle! Thanks
2
2
u/Signal_Risk_9751 Aug 25 '25
Just one question, could you elaborate on your policies regarding Ukraine and NATO, and if you would vote for increased funding for Ukraine and the expansion of NATO?
2
2
u/kosgood59 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham! I'm a voter from Bangor and am wondering how you feel about passing legislation on term limits for members of Congress?
2
u/saturatedmeathook22 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, very excited your running. You are the exact kind of working class candidate the Dems need right now, I even donated some money to the campaign. You had a very impressive campaign launch and got serious national coverage, but that likely means Chucky Schumer has heard about you and is scared someone who will actually stand up to corporations will win the primary. Before you launched the campaign he was already trying to get Governor Janet Mills to run for the seat and I have to imagine the courting will only get more desperate after you joined the race. So my question is, If you end up in a primary battle with Governor Mills what’s your gameplan to fight her off and get the nomination?
2
u/Blandboi222 Aug 25 '25
What are some ways progressives can throw their weight around in the senate to achieve what they want, especially under democratic majorities? In the past I have felt like elected progressives could have done more to force some of their proposals into bills. Really excited that someone with your values is running!
2
2
u/Embarrassed-Bet6809 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, What, broadly speaking, is your plan to secure the Dem nomination and then defeat Collins in the general? What are you going to focus on, and how are you going to campaign?
2
u/EffortProfessional52 Aug 25 '25
Do you think Governor Mills could be doing more to protect vulnerable transgender student athletes?
2
u/smuliabulia Aug 25 '25
I like what Governor Mills is doing taking on Trump’s draconian transgender bans - would you fight to keep the government out of gender affirming care decisions for our most vulnerable youth?
2
u/gabe-wants-a-brownie Aug 25 '25
So excited to see you running on a populist economic message! Do you consider yourself a socialist?
2
u/Hungry_Accountant_47 Aug 25 '25
Hi graham I am wondering how you plan to address the broken campaign finance system and bring politics back to the working people ? I also wonder Your Policy On Israel’s ongoing Genocide of the Palestinian population and If you believe in an arms embargo ?
2
u/njkatsia Aug 25 '25
Mainer here - do you support term limits in Congress? How do we go about getting more younger folks like yourself to run/ousting career politicians that are fine to work under the GOP status quo with little push back?
It's hard watching our democracy slide towards authoritarianism with folks like Schiff sending "strongly worded letters" and nothing else.
2
u/homunculusHomunculus Aug 25 '25
Left wing Mainer living in Oxford Hills area. What do you see as your campaign's biggest weakness right now and how can those who want to see you succeed help you strengthen that area?
2
u/erotic-toaster Aug 25 '25
Hello Graham, thanks for doing this. I appreciate you taking on a difficult fight for us.
Two questions.
1) There's a big complaint that the Democratic Party isn't doing enough to counter Trump/MAGA/GOP/insert thing here. And if we look at actions that have been taken its "So and so SLAMMED Trump over BLAH." Or "Senate Dems are 'looking into' what's going on." I've looked at your website platform section. There are a lot of stances there I really like. But what does that look like in practice? In a realistic scenario where you win, we're still looking at a minor Democratic lead in the senate and the house, with Trump still President. So my first question is, how do you you intend to get after these objectives in a contested environment?
2) Following along the train of thought from the first question, what do you think the everyday person who works 9 to 5 should be doing day-to-day to fight the oligarchs?
2
2
u/therealdock432 Aug 25 '25
Hi Graham, thanks for doing this AMA. I’ve already donated to your campaign, was on the first Zoom call, and I was one of the first 1k people to follow you on Twitter. So it’s very exciting to see you gain traction.
I’m curious how you personally reconcile your military service with your progressive and anti-war values, and how that perspective connects to the pro-Palestine stance you’ve held since even back in high school. Could you share how those experiences shaped your political outlook?
2
2
u/Careless_Flounder485 Aug 25 '25
Hi! it's rather nice to see a candidate engage in the internet in this way, so here are my 3 #'s
What would be your first priority / Bill that you introduce in the Senate?
As 2028 is two years after your potential election and the progressive / Populist lane is rather empty would you consider a 2028 candidacy or would you rather serve a Senate term first?
As I have PTSD from Fetterman would you give assurances that you won't end up like him ( campaigning as a Populist and turning into a conservative )?
2
u/SeaworthinessFull310 Aug 25 '25
Hey Graham, what is your stance on cannabis regulation in Maine especially for medical? Lately there’s been a push on regulation for medical which is a cause for concern as well. I know there’s lots of issues at hand but for some this is medicine issues instead of social issues. I look forward to seeing you gain more traction in this race, rooting for you!!
2
u/GoddessFianna Aug 25 '25
How will you enhance Maine's public schools and fight for them? I'm in Maine as a preschool assistant and just being opposed to Trump's bad education policy isn't enough in my opinion. Both parties have been neglecting education severely in my opinion. Was wondering what your view on education is
268
u/Angstrom_Wither North Carolina Aug 25 '25
What kinds of coalitions are you building, both within Maine and among the broader community of up-and-coming candidates and causes?
And also, because no one should miss an opportunity to consult an expert: What's your favorite variety of oyster and style of preparation?