I was feeling bad for Platner but I'm over it.

[TomSlick]

He blamed his woes on "political apparatchiks." It's bad enough that he blamed Democrats he used a old soviet term.

[Tim S]

1. I feel bad for Platner and now I feel bad for the party

I agreed with every word Platner said tonight. I’ve been a Bernie Sanders supporter and donated heavily to his Presidential runs, but Sen Sanders lost my respect and any future support due to his lack of courage and conviction by failing to take a moral stand.

The America I knew is dead. I’m just glad that I’ll be dead before things become unbearably worse.

[EdmondDantes_]

4. I'm confused. Sanders told him to withdraw because rapists aren't fit for public office

That's the only correct moral stance.

[Tim S]

10. Wow! AFAIK, people in this country USED TO BE innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

I will happily refer to Platner as a rapist on the day a jury of his peers convicts him on that charge. Until then I still believe in America. I don’t know what your problem is.

[JustAnotherGen]

14. Trump is a rapist

In Civil Court. So is he a rapist? Or does he get a pass since it didn't happen in a criminal court?

[EdmondDantes_]

17. The last time I checked, this isn't a court of law

But given the fact that only a tiny minority of rape claims are false, the guy in question admits he mistreated women, and there are multiple outcry witnesses from two years before Platner ran for office, it's exceedingly unlikely it's a lie.

So no, he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt. He's not entitled (no matter how much he whined in his dropping out) to a Senate seat or even being allowed to stay in the race.

[krawhitham]

28. "in a court of law", sure

[Iggo]

70. ...in a court of law.

At least you didn’t leave that part out, like the rape apologists do. Not that you’re one of them. I’m just pointing out that they make the same argument that you’re making, but they leave out that very important part at the end. In fact, it should be in there twice…lol.

[sarisataka]

7. What was the moral stand?

[lostincalifornia]

27. Platner had no moral stand except he was a fraud who lied his way throughout, and then blamed

everyone else on his flaws.

In my view Maine Democrats avoided a disaster.

[lostincalifornia]

33. Hint: SANDERS DID TAKE A MORAL STAND. The one who didn't take a moral stand was Platner.

[ananda]

2. Sanders called for Platner to step down.

Sanders is OK.

[Boo1]

30. That seems to be the issue this person has with Sanders

That he didn't defend the rapist enough.

[Cha]

41. TY, Perhaps Sanders knows something

that person doesn't as well as Sen Warren and Mayor Mamdani.

And all the other Democratic leaders.

[Cha]

40. TY and so are a lot of Dems!

[dem4decades]

3. I feel bad for us.

[sheshe2]

5. "political apparatchiks."

I had to look it up. Looks like he called Democrats Communists.

Origin

The term “apparatchiks” originated in the Soviet Union during the early 20th century. It was used to describe the members of the Communist Party who held positions of power within the party apparatus. The Soviet Union was a highly centralized state, and the Communist Party was the primary vehicle for political power. The party controlled all aspects of Soviet life, and its members were responsible for implementing the policies and directives of the party.

Associations

The term “apparatchiks” is often associated with the Soviet Union and other communist countries. However, it can also be used to describe members of any political organization who are responsible for implementing the policies and directives of the party. The term is often used in a derogatory manner to describe people who are seen as being part of a large, impersonal organization that is more concerned with maintaining its own power than with serving the needs of the people.

https://words-wiki.com/apparatchiks-definition-meaning/

[TomSlick]

6. Of course he did.

I'm over him.

[sheshe2]

9. Thanks.

I was never for him in the first place and sadly he is still holding at 'suspending' his campaign and not withdrawing.

[TomSlick]

11. At the end of his rambling statement, he finally said he was withdrawing.

[sheshe2]

13. Thank you, good to know.

[SheltieLover]

18. Ty, Tom!

[Wednesdays]

57. OT, but happy 83,000 post milestone, SheltieLover!

[SheltieLover]

58. Ty. I hadn't noticed. Lol

[sarisataka]

8. Someone else has recently been using the term communist a lot

but the name escapes me at the moment

[sheshe2]

16. LOL!

I forgot that guy.

[Cha]

42. I noticed that, too. when I first read

What he said.

[Cha]

19. Of course he did... Insults on

The way out.

And he uses a word that is reminiscent of communism? Why does that sound so familiar?

TY, I’m at Jazzy’s now and can’t post much.

He can thank Sanders, Warren, and Mamdani too for believing the credible evidence that was documented and the woman

[sheshe2]

23. I know u are busy with the little one.

I just watched Lawrence O'Donnell; it was a good segment. He had clips of Platners little goodbye speech. He called out the bullshit he was spewing.

Try to catch it later if you can.

Say hi to Jazzy for me!

[Cha]

25. Thank You! I will remember

That. I’m on the bus 🚎 now, I’ll see her next week. She was by side when I texted you. I’ll show her your reply.

TY for LO’D news. I saw the one last night. Priceless!!

[sheshe2]

26. He is incredible!

No theatrics, just the facts.

Now go home and relax!

[Cha]

36. lol... I tried to .. I was ready but

turns out I thought I had my keys with me, but I didn't.

It was after 6 PM, and no manager. But my neighbor Toshi got in through the kitchen window. I was so grateful that I didn't care how late it was.

[sheshe2]

38. Oh no!

I am so glad you had a neighbor that is good at breaking and entering! Good on Toshi.

[Cha]

44. Lol! Yes Toshi is an excellent

next door neighbor for 9 years now.. that went by fast!

BTW, Cindy and her family are in Japan now for her granddaughter's high school graduation present.

[sheshe2]

45. Wow!

Japan...how cool is that!

Happy Graduation!

[Cha]

19. Of course he did... Insults on

The way out.

And he uses a word that is reminiscent of communism? Why does that sound so familiar?

TY, I’m at Jazzy’s now and can’t post much.

He can thank Sanders, Warren, and Mamdani too for believing the credible evidence that was documented and the woman

[Cha]

20. Of course he did... Insults on

The way out.

And he uses a word that is reminiscent of communism? Why does that sound so familiar?

TY, I’m at Jazzy’s now and can’t post much.

He can thank Sanders, Warren, and Mamdani too for believing the credible evidence that was documented and the woman

[betsuni]

37. What with totenkopfs and apparatchiks, is he from the first half of the 20th century?

[sheshe2]

39. Looks like it and he is welcome to return there.

Thank goddess we were spared that one.

I actually think that we can win this one. I believe ME is ready for a change. Read here tonight that recent polling was showing that he was not faring well against Sue though the Dem candidates that were running for the Governor's seat were in the plus margin.

We shall see.

[RoeVWade]

12. Now Republicans can go back to asking themselves why they keep supporting Epstein's best buddy Trump

ntx

[leftstreet]

15. I feel bad for his voters

and volunteers

For the first time in THIRTY years of living under The Duchess of Maine, they found a message that inspired them to get out and vote

Hope they can grieve and then get behind a new candidate.

[radical noodle]

55. Yet he goes out trashing the party

and blaming everyone except himself. His statement was meant to discourage Democratic voters and anger those who supported him. I find that reprehensible. Reminds me of a certain Republican that prefers revenge over accountability.

[littlemissmartypants]

24. ...

Characteristics of Psychopaths
1. Aggressive, callous, and cunning
2. Completely void of conscience and empathy
3. Adept at manipulating others
4. Willing to engage in immoral, criminal conduct
5. Willing to take what they want and do as they please, regardless of who is hurt or wronged
6. Deceptive ability to appear outwardly benevolent
7. Deceptive ability to behave in superficially charming ways to hide purely selfish motives
8. Willing to use force, intimidation, and violence to control others in order to satisfy their own needs
9. Willing to intentionally violate the basic inherent human rights of others
10. Completely lacking any sense of guilt or remorse for the harm their actions cause
11. Rationalize their own immoral behavior
12. Attempt to lay blame upon someone else for their own bad conduct
13. Will deny their own wrongdoing outright
14. Display utter contemptuousness toward the feelings and desires of others
15. Exhibit pathological lying, will compulsively say anything without any concern for the truth to advance their own agendas
16. Able to fake normal human emotions and empathy with the exception of joy, laughter
17. Have a distorted sense of the consequences of their actions
18. Totally fail to accept any responsibility for their own socially irresponsible ways
19. Strongly believe that they will never be brought to justice for their criminal behavior

[lostincalifornia]

29. +++

[Cha]

35. Mahalo, pants☮️💙

I was looking for something like #15 and why wouldn't I?

[littlemissmartypants]

47. Mahalo, Cha. 👍🤓

It's a valuable resource. Comes in handy in a multitude of situations.

❣️🕊

[Cha]

59. I imagine, they're good at

tricking people until flying too close to the Sun comes crashing down.

Thankfully, it was exposed in the nick of time to work hard and salvage this. ☮️💙🌻🕯️🕊️

[LetMyPeopleVote]

31. This was a horrible speech

This man will not admit any mistakes.

[lostincalifornia]

32. Just compare him to Swalwell's exit. Platner just demonstrated his true personality with

his dropping out speech tonight.

He is not an honest person.

[sheshe2]

43. His drop out speech...

He looked very angry. You could see it simmering just below the surface. He has a drinking problem and I sure as hell hope he doesn't take any of his anger out on his wife.

[OAITW r.2.0]

34. Me too. Voted 1st for Janet Mills, second for GP

I never trust anyone coming from the outfield to suddenly run for national office. I want to see a history.

I met Janet back in 2010 when she was mentoring my wife to run for Statehouse Rep. in our district.

[lapucelle]

46. The man is absolutely insufferable.

He showed his true colors this week when he held Maine Democrats hostage in an effort to get his demands met.

[eShirl]

48. talk about a sore loser

just shut up and go

[eShirl]

50. bye

[GPV]

52. I feel bad that he is a mess. I feel bad for his wife. I feel bad

about losing someone who is fighting for what I believe in. But, I do not feel bad about losing him. I felt very uncomfortable about that tattoo and storyline. I couldn't bring myself to jump on the bandwagon, and Genevieve McDonald confirmed what I felt.

At this point, I am angry that he and his advisers tried to pull the wool over our eyes and push through. "The ends justifies the means" is Republican thinking, even if the Platner campaign' end is better than what the GOP does. I'm not looking for purity, I'm looking for humanity. The GOP gave theirs up. I don't want to give up mine.

Fuck. Progressives have a hard enough fight to sit at the table, and now this.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

53. Lawrence was great last night

[flvegan]

54. I feel bad for the dem voters in Maine. Platner?

Fuck that guy.

[sop]

56. I strongly supported the message, not the messenger; apparently, too many Democrats hated both.

I hope Democrats in Maine settle on another candidate who can inspire Platner's voters, not another "moderate" Democrat who will lose in November.

I also hope the media follows up and does a little real journalism in the wake of their initial breathless hysteria. Voters deserve more than the usual scandal pile-on we've all seen too many times. A few in the media already are looking more closely at the accusations, those not afraid of being called "rapist defenders." A lot of so-called "evidence" in this accuser's story doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

I'm not defending Platner. If he is what many say he is, then good riddance to him. I'm questioning the current political and media climate, where uninvestigated and unsubstantiated accusations can effectively torpedo a candidate supported by the vast majority of Democratic voters.

[Cha]

60. No we didn't "hate both"... This is on Graham Planter...

Please don't try to blame Dems. We hated the "sexual abuser of women".

[sop]

61. There's been a rush to judgement without any real evidence.

[Cha]

62. No, no rush... just ask Sanders, Warren ,

and Mayore Mamdani. They've had months to think about this

And all of the others who unendorse him.

[sop]

63. Months to think about this? Really?

From the BBC: "The assault allegation was made public on Monday. By that night, Warren and other top Democrats called for him to withdraw and three of his strongest supporters in Congress - Representatives Ro Khanna and Senators Ruben Gallego and Martin Heinrich - had rescinded their endorsements."

"The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which provides millions of dollars in support to the party's candidates, and the Maine Democratic party had both ended their backing, too."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9v229434p2o

They were stampeded by all the media hysteria created by a sketchy accusation in a Politico article, based on little to no evidence. The party establishment immediately responded to the predictable hue and cry from a certain segment of Democratic voters who always react viscerally to these sorts of allegations. And a candidate who had the support of the vast majority of Democratic Maine primary voters was forced to withdraw from the campaign, even though he vehemently denied the accusation.

Those are the facts.

[Cha]

64. Yeah, I know But they've had qualms

before, after the NYT article came out, they asked him if there was anything else?

Of course, he said "No". .. and add that to all the other sexual abuse charges against women, and it's not a good record.

Sanders asked him to "step aside" and so did Pod save America podcasters Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor, took to X on Monday and called on Platner to exit the race, while voicing their support for the alleged victim, Jenny Racicot, after she accused the candidate of sexual assault in a new Politico report.

"Platner needs to drop out ASAP — these are awful, credible allegations," Favreau wrote. "Said on the pod after the (also credible) June NYT story that his biggest problem going forward would be credibility. It's now abundantly clear that he just hasn't been honest about his past and can't be trusted as a candidate for office. Saving grace is that the party can find a replacement by the 27th as long as he drops by the 13th, which I very much assume he will."

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/pod-save-america-calls-graham-230014176.html

[sop]

65. "And add that to all the other sexual abuse charges against women..."

What other sexual abuse charges against women?

[Cha]

67. The following..

Non-Consensual Intimacy (July 2026): Another former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, alleged that Platner engaged in "stealthing"—sneakingly removing condoms during intimacy after being explicitly instructed not to.

Emotional and Physical Abuse (June 2026): Fifield also described volatile and toxic relationship dynamics, claiming Platner once grabbed her hard enough to leave marks and blocked her inside a bedroom during an argument.

Explicit Text Messages (May 2026): Prior to the physical assault allegations, reports revealed that Platner had sent sexually explicit text messages to several women in the early days of his marriage.

[sop]

68. All these incidents occurred in May, June, and July of this year?

[Aristus]

66. I don't feel bad for him.

How hard is it to not rape somebody?

I mean, seriously!

Don't rape people, right? Don't do shit like that, so shit like this doesn't happen.

[TomSlick]

69. Don't get Nazi tattoos. If you got a Nazi tattoo in your misspent youth, have it removed or inked over.

Whatever you do, don't trash the Democratic party and help Susan Collins.

[nini]

71. Always believe people when they show you who they are

There were plenty of signs with that asshole.