On Platner. He has got things in his past which are bad. He is currently the subject of an all out political smear campaign. Both these things are true, and unless we can nominate another candidate that can beat Susan Collins, it does not matter.

We are in an existential war for the future of this country, and Senate numbers matter more than anything else. We have seen what happens, particularly to the Supreme Court when the GOP controls the Senate.

It's crucial to elect a Democrat in Maine.

This is not a defense of Platner. Wish that Maine had chosen a better Democratic candidate. But, again unless something magical changes, he looks like he will be the Dem candidate.

Politics is not about picking a good person. It is great if you have that choice, but politics is about power and coalitions.

And right now it is crucial that the Democratic coalition takes over the Senate. Our collective future depends on it. Nothing else even comes close.

WAKE THE EFF UP about the Platner Campaign. It's a much bigger story.

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@JoBlakely

Parkrose Permaculture is a gift of clarity in a world gone mad.

@mastodonmigration
Yes. I really appreciate her pov.

@JoBlakely

Yes, and think she is right about why they are going after Platner with everything they've got. But in this case, don't think it is the best strategy to defend Platner. That is the swift boat trap. Then you are defending someone who has done bad things and the discussion shifts to the bad things.

Feel like the focusing on the stakes of this election. Control of the Senate is the more compelling argument.

@mastodonmigration @JoBlakely

I've been pointing people to Jason Kander's conversation with Platner at 35:30, https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/majority-54/graham-platner-OSjH4GNx0L7/.

And then maybe make the conversation about PTSD and the lack of sufficient mental health resources for veterans and their families.

You can't force every combat vet into therapy, but every combat vet should be evaluated for PTSD before discharge and be able to easily access care.