I really hope Hopium (and all Dems) gets behind Platner. He has a GREAT shot in Maine, but I suspect the GOP will be pumping a lot of money in to try and stop him and he will need some help to fight back!
Yes, but Graham Platner needs to reach out and apologize to the Jewish community of Maine, and of the nation. Something I understand he has been avoiding, which is problematic.
Platner got his Totenkopf tattoo in 2005. It’s simply not credible that it took him 18 years to realize that this is a Nazi tattoo! Only in 2025 did he have his tattoo covered with a Celtic knot and dog imagery.
💯 Thank you for saying this. I truly believe people will forgive most things as long as we own up to our mistakes. I believe Platner needs to acknowledge those hurt or angered by the tattoo and comments about women are justified. Then, in my opinion, just be honest and sincere whatever the truth is as to why it took him so long to try and remove the tattoo. He can say, I didn't take into account what exactly that tattoo stands for and what it means for me to have had it on my skin. I am ashamed I got it in the first place; I was young, angry and stupid. I am even more ashamed and regret more than I can say, that it took me so long to get outside myself and to acknowledge the pain and ugliness my actions and words caused and finally try to get the tattoo removed. I am not the victim here.
He also needs to apologize to women for his past comments. Again, he needs to acknowledge he is not victim here. Just my opinion.
I heard him saying comments similar to the ones you have written in a Jon Stewart interview. I agree, he needs to be more explicit and more apologetic, but I think he is aware that he needs to address these issues.
I saw the interview with Jon Stewart. I did not get the sense Platner was apologizing. Actually, I don't think Jon Stewart let him talk much. At one point, I thought geez Jon let Platner talk and let HIM explain things not you.
Platner is going to have to repeat it over and over until the message finally gets out there and he is no longer asked about it.
I hope you are right and they realize he needs to address these issues. OMG, Collins. I just can't with her "concern" all the time. She is so full of it.
I honestly don't think he believes that he needs to address it in any way other than how he has addressed it and continues to address it. He gives consistent explanations, almost now as if scripted, about the transgressions and indiscretions of youth and ignorance and anger and PTSD. Pre-epiphany.
There are questions about the timelines of when things occurred, how old or young he was, and when his political ambitions publicly sprouted.
He is also talking the half-of-my-family-members-through-marriage-are- Jewish-and-so-is-Bernie-who-endorses-me-and none-have-been- offended-ergo-I-can't-be-an-antisemite line.
Given that this is a Hobson's Choice, I think the question people might have is whether he possesses the temperament, discipline, and wisdom to successfully execute his campaign platform/policies once the campaign is over. We've all experienced this: getting behind a candidate with all the right policies we want, but who can't demonstrate the personal, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills to get shit done, and who spends too much time explaining themselves and apologizing.
As new generations rise up into politics, who have lived their lives online, and who must start SOMEWHERE, and may be preferred by voters who see their lack of government experience as a net plus, this will be all too common.
I confess. I had to look up what a Hobson's Choice means. Yes. It is a Hobson's Choice. Alison Gill was asked about Platner. I think she gave a really thoughtful and articulate answer. As a sexual assault survivor, she said she didn't want to weigh in bc Platner said terrible things about women in the military and sexual assault victims. She went on to describe that the choice is between Collins and Platner and what they both say they stand for and with Collins there is her record. She was somber and I felt for her.
some of his extended family is supposedly jewish. while i have mixed feelings here, i am going to have to take him at his word; for if he wanted to run as a fascist, he would be running on their side, not ours. there is a picture of me at one point in the 80's wearing a university of georgia shirt someone gave me; and it had a prominent confederate flag on it. it even ran in print in a publication. at 22 i never gave it a thought. i had no idea the flag was equivalent to white supremacy and jim crow. i would never sport such a flag today. but, i'm a middle aged guy who knows better now. i would hope that platner has learned his lesson. i do think this will have an effect on election day, but this is the horse maine dems are backing, and we need the seat. i have not seen evidence he is not apologetic; that is news to me.
Unfortunately, the MAGA-GOP do not have a monopoly on Fascism. Sad to say, some of the most vile antisemites are actually running for the Democratic Party. You want an example?
This week, Maureen Galindo, the Democratic candidate in Texas' 35th Congressional District posted some of the most disgusting rhetoric I have ever heard from any candidate.
Galindo pledged to transform a site south of San Antonio now used by the Trump administration to detain migrants into an internment camp for “American Zionists.”
In an Instagram post, Galindo added: “It will also be a castration processing center for pedophiles, which will probably be most of the Zionists.”
Ponder the emphasis of that last sentence. Let it really sink in. And let it also sink in that Maureen Galindo – a Democrat – is proposing internment camps for Jews!
Yikes. This is a new name to me and would rather know there is not some foul play in Instagram. I understand questioning our unblinking support of Israel, no questions asked, but using detention, jews, pedophiles and castration together is sick.
These democrats fail to understand that a significant portion of the right wing is antisemitic and it’s a bad look to align with them. A lot of the criticism of Israel slips into white supremacist territory.
i don't think it is foolish, however the two have little in common. fetterman was already an elected official with a track record, which he has turned his back on. with collins we know what we get....more concerned votes for extremist judges.
Glad I don't live in Maine. I'd have a hard time pulling the lever for this guy. He's neither meaningfully replied to the millions of questions that have been put to him about his tattoo nor showed any remorse for same.
Really? When you're a young gun service member out on leave, you get some crazy tattoos. You walk into a shop, see one on the wall the excites you, and you go from there. I know this from experience. Lighten up. It's crap like this that kills Democrats. They're always apologizing. It looks weak in today's media hellscape.
Respectfully, I think saying if someone is uncomfortable, angry or hurt by what Platner has said and written in the past is expressing moral condemnation is not fair and somewhat, perhaps unintentionally, dismissive.
For many the comments, tattoo and for how long it took him to try and cover it is hard to understand. He continues, in my opinion, to come off as the victim here and angry that the story came out rather than coming off as humble, pained and truly sorry for his past mistakes. Sorry, saying you have Jewish family members, just makes me cringe. I have to add that I don't know Platner, for a fact, said this. There have been a few comments saying he has indicated this. So, assuming he made those comments about Jewish family members, it makes me cringe.
Platner doesn't need to worry about the people who support him. He probably should care about the people he has hurt or who are distrustful. Not everyone loves Bernie so that's not enough. However, I do not know Maine. Maybe they don't care. I would never vote for Collins but I would have a hard time voting for him and I am a hardcore Democrat. I would feel like a hypocrite unless he owned up to his mistakes and didn't seem so angry about being called out on it. Stop blaming it on the establishment.
Also, I find it hard to believe he didn't know for 20 years that the tattoo resembled a Nazi symbol. Just doesn't pass the smell test.
I think this could be a teachable moment. The late Senator Byrd comes to mind. He really did change and repeatedly apologized. He went from being in the KKK to an advocate for civil rights.
To clarify, I do not approve of the failings of Platner. My intent was to clarify that he has apologized in public while trump and other elected magas are doubling down on their rancid beliefs. Ultimately, voters in the State of Maine will decide who will represent them in the U.S. Senate.
While I certainly want MAGA defeated, I believe those that have issues with Platner's false victimhood and his many disturbing postings, tattoo and how long it took him to try to get rid of it, have merit. The message seems to be get over it, it was a long time ago. That is where Platner would do well to show some empathy for those hurt or triggered. Trauma just doesn't go away. I really hope he can show vulnerability rather than the constant victimhood. You are correct. Ultimately, Maine will decide.
Democrats will have a field day running against Trump’s tariffs/price surge, the unnecessary and counterproductive war, corruption and cronyism — all of which Republicans enabled. However, Republicans’ jaw-dropping lack of accomplishments and obsession with things that are irrelevant to, or antagonistic to, ordinary Americans’ concerns (e.g. Jim Crow gerrymandering, ballrooms, billions more for the widely hated ICE) leave an opening for Democrats to construct a short, powerful agenda.
“Six for 2026” could include some basic objectives that go to the overarching issues of cost, corruption, and chaos:
Investigate and end the massive corruption
Reclaim tariff power and push for return of illegal tariff monies to consumers
Reverse cuts to Medicaid and reissue Affordable Care Act subsidies
Cut off offensive combat operations against Iran and conduct a full accounting of the decision and execution of the war
Rein in ICE and return to a reasonable budgeting plan
Agree to regulate and give residents a say in massive data centers (a growing bipartisan opposition to gargantuan facilities that drive up energy costs and create environmental hazards makes this a potent issue).
In sum, Trump is making the Republican Party crazier and less electable by the day. Whatever the results in November, the GOP contingent in the House and Senate will be more extreme and more beholden to their cult leader. The fringe in the Republican Party is unquestionably the mainstream.
Democrats therefore have the chance to assemble the widest coalition in recent history, underscore the depravity of the MAGA party, and present a sane alternative in step with the concerns of the overwhelming number of voters.
Simon, your talk last night was great, really encouraging. Thank you!
I agree strongly with your points about corruption. I think it's easy to tie corruption to "kitchen table issues." Jon Ossoff has been saying that "Corruption is the reason why things don't work for ordinary Americans." (I'd vote for that guy for president, if he ever runs.)
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to say that Trump is no longer in touch with reality and must be removed from office. I'm writing postcards to Ohio voters today.
From what I can tell, it's less about competing in "red states" and "red districts" (I really despise calling them that because they are just renting them) than it is about learning how to better communicate with white voters without a college degree, and perhaps white voters more broadly. That is where we struggle, and the places we have trouble winning in just have more of that group of voters than places where we do win.
I'm continuing with my post carding, and I'll spend time checking through my emails to make sure I am not missing anything from the Jolly campaign. There was supposed to be one other organizing meeting online, and then a canvass in Orlando (someplace) on May 30. Let me know if you are interested in that.
I don’t know what we can do “to better communicate with white voters without a college degree, and perhaps white voters more broadly.”
We can’t communicate with them until we can get a message to their ears. They have been told scary lies, that Ds are coming for their bibles and guns, that we hate White people, that we want to indoctrinate their children and make them gay or trans, that we want to kill babies.
They have also been told scary (to them) truths, that we don’t think being a straight White Christian man means you should rule over everyone else, and that White people will be less than 50% of America by 2040.
I read a very interesting book a few years ago called “Dying of Whiteness” by Jonathan Metzl, in which he describes people who would honestly rather go without healthcare than contribute to coverage for “those people.” Same with education, etc.
I don’t know how to communicate with someone who hangs up the phone, returns our letters unopened, and shouts over us when we talk.
I am not, in any way, saying we shouldn’t try. We should try really hard. But I can’t even figure out where we would start.
It might not be easy, but we have an opportunity. I think, while I agree with everything you wrote, we probably shouldn't dwell on those points because it will push people away.
Talarico gives us a path we might expand on. Andy Beshear might as well. There are others. Maybe Platner (with the caveats).
The reality is that the messages they are getting allows them to put the blame on others, and in some cases society tells them their "lack of education" is their fault and the cause of their stuggles.
The billionaire elites and the Trump corruption are squeezing everybody. The lies Trump supporters are told prevent them from seeing the truth, and then lead them to place the blame on people they don't like. It's lazy and easy, and even if they don't get better outcomes, they can watch the show and watch other people be hurt worse.
Some of the lack of success people have in this country is indeed not their own fault. Our message should be it is billionaire greed and corruption, with the corruption centered on Trump and his oligarchs.
It isn't the fault of trans people, immigrants, liberals, minorities, or whatever other group is the scapegoat of the day.
Yes, and like Rick Wilson has been pointing out, link it all to "kitchen table" stuff. And (in my view) backsliding democracy.
Something like:
Americans are losing healthcare. They are losing it because of corrupt billionaires and a corrupt Trump administration, who do not want their money to go to fund healthcare for Americans.
Americans can't afford food, gas, and rent. This is because of corrupt billionaires and a corrupt Trump administration, who are starting wars and making corrupt deals to enrich themselves, while we pay higher prices.
etc.
It has to be a narrative, all centered on the theme of billionaires and Trump enriching themselves and the expense of everyone else. It is a mistake to talk about any of those issues without centering each one on the same theme of corruption, billionaires enriching themselves at our expense. It might even work for other things like climate change and environment. We get sicker and poorer so they can get richer. AI and data centers fit too.
One theme, multiple frames. Repeat it ad infinitum.
Three books come to mind. The first is The Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe. Keefe chronicles the Sackler family and how they deliberately targeted people in order to become billionaires. Many of these people live in Appalachia. It's a fascinating story and one that ties in well with the corruption of the current GOP.
The second is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. She humanizes the people targeted by the Sackler in a brilliant update to Dickens's David Copperfield. One of my brothers lives in this part of Appalachia (rural Virginia) and has seen firsthand many of the things both she and Keefe write about.
The third is Evicted by Matthew Desmond. The takeaway message for me was that there is an entire system making money hand over fist off of the poor. Tackling these intractable problems is complicated and hard, and most politicians are focused on the short term.
There is a lot more to say about this, but I am not surprised that people feel abandoned by the government, because they have been. Democrats do a much better job of addressing the issues that give rise to this kind of wealth disparity, but they have fallen short. Unfortunately the current administration is tearing things down to the point that we have a huge opportunity to build back better (to use Biden's phrasing). We need to keep working to ensure that we have smart, competent, compassionate, and ethical politicians in every municipality across the country. Just getting in a new president is not going to suffice. As Simone said, we need more!
Last night, I attended Yale prof. Jeff Sonnenfeld's book release event for "TRUMP'S
TEN COMMANDMENTS" "Yale leadership scholar Jeffrey Sonnenfeld pulls back the curtain on Donald Trump's repeatable strategies that explain how he conquers chaos, commands loyalty, and bends every arena to his will." See https://trumptencommandments.com/ I think it's an excellent roadmap of Trump's behavioral patterns, enabling better understanding of how he'll react to various situations and how to counter his moves.
Sonnenfeld noted that people with Trump's personality are more likely to destroy what they and others build so that no one else can make use of it.
Helpful link, thank you. I had always imagined that the “flood the zone with sh*t” policy was simply to exhaust us all, but now I’m picturing that various streams in the firehose of sewage also apply other strategic pressures.
There is more motivation for voters than affordability. Corruption is beginning to get through to people.
Dems have to learn a lesson about contesting more elections at the local and state levels. The Republicans have been successful at the state level in states that Dems have ignored. Of course they are out of touch from lack of touching.
There are people looking for better representatives. Recruit, season, and develop new people. Don't screen on insider reactions, don't reject people who can energize voters, don't promise what you can't deliver.
The price level is not under Congressional control. Reversal of policies takes time. Most voters are impatient.
we can't do much without republican help right now, and we aren't often going to get it, because his cult remains too strong. dr rachel bitecofer breaks it down today, and while it is sobering, i look at those indie numbers, and that is where we can mine gold, and send these republican assholes packing.and there is some significant peeling away of non-maga republicans. his cult ain't leaving him no matter what, not without deprogramming. best not to waste time arguing with them.
see Jay Kuo, The Status Kuo, Wednesday for a brilliant analysis of how all the corruption and everything else Trump has been doing are all gears in the same machine.
I have been making my daily calls to Ohio Senators and my Congresswoman. Interestedly, on Monday, the offices of Husten and Morena each answered the phone - that has not happened in months. I complained about the $1.8 billion slush fund going to J6ers & was not challenged or questioned about it. Also, demanded reform of ICE & CBP in $70 billion request in the reconciliation bill. I think the offices wanted to know what constituents think of the slush fund. Tuesday was back to no one answering the calls. Just wanted to mention that I think the Senate Republicans are concerned about ramifications of the slush fund enough to answer the phones. Also, mentioned to Dem Congresswoman about HB 2913 per Simon's request.
He has broadcast so much information about that bunker, how safe will it really be? And, history is littered with dictators who didn't make it out of their "bunkers" alive.
We the People will not allow any bonkers ballroom bunker to be built. Congress is not allowing it. I hope we Proud Patriots rebuild the East Wing as it stood before desecration and obliteration.
NYT update—"After abandoning plans for a vote on the bill, Thune said senators would 'pick up where we left off' when they return to Washington in early June."
My vision is this. If he is not impeached and removed from office first, we will have won the election and be in command of the military, the budget, the bunker, and the defense of the United States Constitution. Our President will also tear down that arch, toss the golden statue, hold accountable those who are responsible for crimes committed in office, and rebuild Our Country.
Yes. I don't think the "ballroom" as some kind of bunker hideout is actually going to work. It would presume that the military would stop taking orders from the duly elected president.
But I do think this is how he views the "ballroom".
The "golden statue" is not public, but the rest of it, yeah, tear that shit down. It's like when the Iraqis tore down the Saddam statue.
Totally with you on all these B.S. self glorification projects. I'm really looking forward to the public celebration as all of it is torn down, reconstituted, and repainted to original specifications. Like a mini Berlin Wall.
OK. Good move, Ken. Now we can move on. Nothing in the article was news to us at Hopium; Simon has been articulating the problems addressed in the report for months.
I'm reading it, too. Nothing surprising except that I've seen no real acknowledgment of the fact that she had to step in so late after the Biden Debate Debacle or of the roles racism and sexism played. Agree with their discussion of the need to compete everywhere, which Simon has been saying all along.
I read the linked article. It doesn’t quell the situation at all. How much did the DNC pay for an incomplete report riddled with errors? Did they ask for a return of any fees paid? Why haven’t they spent the ensuing months correcting the errors in the report? Doesn’t withstand scrutiny IMHO.
This was my biggest takeaway, too. Martin probably should have left the report buried. Whether it was assigned to an incompetent person or under-resourced, I'm more concerned about its poor quality than the fact it was buried.
I’m mostly concerned about the waste of donor dollars. We hear about the DNC’s financial straits regularly. Since political contributions are an investment for a better future, what faith will people have that their dollars are being put to good use with this level of waste and incompetence? Its down stream effects are bad.
Just called Warren and Markey coming down on 4 points: Ukraine/Russia, Slush fund, Cuba (WTF!!!) and REMOVE HIM.
Thanks Simon for a great talk last night. Your vision for expanding and creating a big new Democratic movement is inspiring. NO ONE else is talking about the long haul. I am so glad you are thumping this drum. We could win BIG in November and that would be great, but if we can't hold on to the power and do something magnificent with it, it will be really sad and bad for our country.
Nice Simon.
I really hope Hopium (and all Dems) gets behind Platner. He has a GREAT shot in Maine, but I suspect the GOP will be pumping a lot of money in to try and stop him and he will need some help to fight back!
Yes, but Graham Platner needs to reach out and apologize to the Jewish community of Maine, and of the nation. Something I understand he has been avoiding, which is problematic.
Platner got his Totenkopf tattoo in 2005. It’s simply not credible that it took him 18 years to realize that this is a Nazi tattoo! Only in 2025 did he have his tattoo covered with a Celtic knot and dog imagery.
💯 Thank you for saying this. I truly believe people will forgive most things as long as we own up to our mistakes. I believe Platner needs to acknowledge those hurt or angered by the tattoo and comments about women are justified. Then, in my opinion, just be honest and sincere whatever the truth is as to why it took him so long to try and remove the tattoo. He can say, I didn't take into account what exactly that tattoo stands for and what it means for me to have had it on my skin. I am ashamed I got it in the first place; I was young, angry and stupid. I am even more ashamed and regret more than I can say, that it took me so long to get outside myself and to acknowledge the pain and ugliness my actions and words caused and finally try to get the tattoo removed. I am not the victim here.
He also needs to apologize to women for his past comments. Again, he needs to acknowledge he is not victim here. Just my opinion.
I heard him saying comments similar to the ones you have written in a Jon Stewart interview. I agree, he needs to be more explicit and more apologetic, but I think he is aware that he needs to address these issues.
I saw the interview with Jon Stewart. I did not get the sense Platner was apologizing. Actually, I don't think Jon Stewart let him talk much. At one point, I thought geez Jon let Platner talk and let HIM explain things not you.
Platner is going to have to repeat it over and over until the message finally gets out there and he is no longer asked about it.
I hope you are right and they realize he needs to address these issues. OMG, Collins. I just can't with her "concern" all the time. She is so full of it.
I honestly don't think he believes that he needs to address it in any way other than how he has addressed it and continues to address it. He gives consistent explanations, almost now as if scripted, about the transgressions and indiscretions of youth and ignorance and anger and PTSD. Pre-epiphany.
There are questions about the timelines of when things occurred, how old or young he was, and when his political ambitions publicly sprouted.
He is also talking the half-of-my-family-members-through-marriage-are- Jewish-and-so-is-Bernie-who-endorses-me-and none-have-been- offended-ergo-I-can't-be-an-antisemite line.
Given that this is a Hobson's Choice, I think the question people might have is whether he possesses the temperament, discipline, and wisdom to successfully execute his campaign platform/policies once the campaign is over. We've all experienced this: getting behind a candidate with all the right policies we want, but who can't demonstrate the personal, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills to get shit done, and who spends too much time explaining themselves and apologizing.
As new generations rise up into politics, who have lived their lives online, and who must start SOMEWHERE, and may be preferred by voters who see their lack of government experience as a net plus, this will be all too common.
I'm working on getting accustomed to it.
I confess. I had to look up what a Hobson's Choice means. Yes. It is a Hobson's Choice. Alison Gill was asked about Platner. I think she gave a really thoughtful and articulate answer. As a sexual assault survivor, she said she didn't want to weigh in bc Platner said terrible things about women in the military and sexual assault victims. She went on to describe that the choice is between Collins and Platner and what they both say they stand for and with Collins there is her record. She was somber and I felt for her.
some of his extended family is supposedly jewish. while i have mixed feelings here, i am going to have to take him at his word; for if he wanted to run as a fascist, he would be running on their side, not ours. there is a picture of me at one point in the 80's wearing a university of georgia shirt someone gave me; and it had a prominent confederate flag on it. it even ran in print in a publication. at 22 i never gave it a thought. i had no idea the flag was equivalent to white supremacy and jim crow. i would never sport such a flag today. but, i'm a middle aged guy who knows better now. i would hope that platner has learned his lesson. i do think this will have an effect on election day, but this is the horse maine dems are backing, and we need the seat. i have not seen evidence he is not apologetic; that is news to me.
I think the bigger issue is that it took him so long to try and remove the tattoo. That needs to be owned up to and explained.
Unfortunately, the MAGA-GOP do not have a monopoly on Fascism. Sad to say, some of the most vile antisemites are actually running for the Democratic Party. You want an example?
This week, Maureen Galindo, the Democratic candidate in Texas' 35th Congressional District posted some of the most disgusting rhetoric I have ever heard from any candidate.
Galindo pledged to transform a site south of San Antonio now used by the Trump administration to detain migrants into an internment camp for “American Zionists.”
In an Instagram post, Galindo added: “It will also be a castration processing center for pedophiles, which will probably be most of the Zionists.”
Ponder the emphasis of that last sentence. Let it really sink in. And let it also sink in that Maureen Galindo – a Democrat – is proposing internment camps for Jews!
https://www.sacurrent.com/news/politics-and-elections/house-candidate-maureen-galindo-pledges-to-send-american-zionists-to-internment-camp/
I couldn't believe this when I first heard about it. Disgusting.
Wow! That's appalling.
Yikes. This is a new name to me and would rather know there is not some foul play in Instagram. I understand questioning our unblinking support of Israel, no questions asked, but using detention, jews, pedophiles and castration together is sick.
I had not heard about her. Uuuuuuggggghhhhh
These democrats fail to understand that a significant portion of the right wing is antisemitic and it’s a bad look to align with them. A lot of the criticism of Israel slips into white supremacist territory.
She's a marriage and family therapist (gottenyu).
Many of her Instagram posts are really weird. Her runoff opponent is Johnny Garcia. https://www.votejohnnygarcia.com/
Runoff election is May 26
I sincerely hope Johnny Garcia wins that runoff!
I do worry about a wolf in sheep's clothing and can't help but see a Fetterman outcome. Feel free to tell me why that's foolish
I feel the same way about these "populist outsider" candidates. We can't afford to play around, too much is at stake.
i don't think it is foolish, however the two have little in common. fetterman was already an elected official with a track record, which he has turned his back on. with collins we know what we get....more concerned votes for extremist judges.
We have no voting record for him. He is articulate. I am glad I have no need to decide in this one.
I just don’t think they are the same. In addition to Fetterman’s health issues, Trump won PA twice. He has never won Maine. To me that is huge.
maine does split its electoral votes though, and trump won the red dot iirc. so, trumpism is a factor in the state.
Glad I don't live in Maine. I'd have a hard time pulling the lever for this guy. He's neither meaningfully replied to the millions of questions that have been put to him about his tattoo nor showed any remorse for same.
Really? When you're a young gun service member out on leave, you get some crazy tattoos. You walk into a shop, see one on the wall the excites you, and you go from there. I know this from experience. Lighten up. It's crap like this that kills Democrats. They're always apologizing. It looks weak in today's media hellscape.
Here is one of many public apologies by Platner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXSqLdCTtD8
I am focusing my moral condemnations on maga.
Exactly.
Respectfully, I think saying if someone is uncomfortable, angry or hurt by what Platner has said and written in the past is expressing moral condemnation is not fair and somewhat, perhaps unintentionally, dismissive.
For many the comments, tattoo and for how long it took him to try and cover it is hard to understand. He continues, in my opinion, to come off as the victim here and angry that the story came out rather than coming off as humble, pained and truly sorry for his past mistakes. Sorry, saying you have Jewish family members, just makes me cringe. I have to add that I don't know Platner, for a fact, said this. There have been a few comments saying he has indicated this. So, assuming he made those comments about Jewish family members, it makes me cringe.
Platner doesn't need to worry about the people who support him. He probably should care about the people he has hurt or who are distrustful. Not everyone loves Bernie so that's not enough. However, I do not know Maine. Maybe they don't care. I would never vote for Collins but I would have a hard time voting for him and I am a hardcore Democrat. I would feel like a hypocrite unless he owned up to his mistakes and didn't seem so angry about being called out on it. Stop blaming it on the establishment.
Also, I find it hard to believe he didn't know for 20 years that the tattoo resembled a Nazi symbol. Just doesn't pass the smell test.
I think this could be a teachable moment. The late Senator Byrd comes to mind. He really did change and repeatedly apologized. He went from being in the KKK to an advocate for civil rights.
To clarify, I do not approve of the failings of Platner. My intent was to clarify that he has apologized in public while trump and other elected magas are doubling down on their rancid beliefs. Ultimately, voters in the State of Maine will decide who will represent them in the U.S. Senate.
While I certainly want MAGA defeated, I believe those that have issues with Platner's false victimhood and his many disturbing postings, tattoo and how long it took him to try to get rid of it, have merit. The message seems to be get over it, it was a long time ago. That is where Platner would do well to show some empathy for those hurt or triggered. Trauma just doesn't go away. I really hope he can show vulnerability rather than the constant victimhood. You are correct. Ultimately, Maine will decide.
"Money can't buy me love!"
or "class."
Jen Rubin today:
"Six for 2026:
Democrats will have a field day running against Trump’s tariffs/price surge, the unnecessary and counterproductive war, corruption and cronyism — all of which Republicans enabled. However, Republicans’ jaw-dropping lack of accomplishments and obsession with things that are irrelevant to, or antagonistic to, ordinary Americans’ concerns (e.g. Jim Crow gerrymandering, ballrooms, billions more for the widely hated ICE) leave an opening for Democrats to construct a short, powerful agenda.
“Six for 2026” could include some basic objectives that go to the overarching issues of cost, corruption, and chaos:
Investigate and end the massive corruption
Reclaim tariff power and push for return of illegal tariff monies to consumers
Reverse cuts to Medicaid and reissue Affordable Care Act subsidies
Cut off offensive combat operations against Iran and conduct a full accounting of the decision and execution of the war
Rein in ICE and return to a reasonable budgeting plan
Agree to regulate and give residents a say in massive data centers (a growing bipartisan opposition to gargantuan facilities that drive up energy costs and create environmental hazards makes this a potent issue).
In sum, Trump is making the Republican Party crazier and less electable by the day. Whatever the results in November, the GOP contingent in the House and Senate will be more extreme and more beholden to their cult leader. The fringe in the Republican Party is unquestionably the mainstream.
Democrats therefore have the chance to assemble the widest coalition in recent history, underscore the depravity of the MAGA party, and present a sane alternative in step with the concerns of the overwhelming number of voters.
Simon, your talk last night was great, really encouraging. Thank you!
I agree strongly with your points about corruption. I think it's easy to tie corruption to "kitchen table issues." Jon Ossoff has been saying that "Corruption is the reason why things don't work for ordinary Americans." (I'd vote for that guy for president, if he ever runs.)
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to say that Trump is no longer in touch with reality and must be removed from office. I'm writing postcards to Ohio voters today.
*Ossify 🤣🤣
Good catch! I fixed it.
I like Ossify 😂
From what I can tell, it's less about competing in "red states" and "red districts" (I really despise calling them that because they are just renting them) than it is about learning how to better communicate with white voters without a college degree, and perhaps white voters more broadly. That is where we struggle, and the places we have trouble winning in just have more of that group of voters than places where we do win.
I'm continuing with my post carding, and I'll spend time checking through my emails to make sure I am not missing anything from the Jolly campaign. There was supposed to be one other organizing meeting online, and then a canvass in Orlando (someplace) on May 30. Let me know if you are interested in that.
I don’t know what we can do “to better communicate with white voters without a college degree, and perhaps white voters more broadly.”
We can’t communicate with them until we can get a message to their ears. They have been told scary lies, that Ds are coming for their bibles and guns, that we hate White people, that we want to indoctrinate their children and make them gay or trans, that we want to kill babies.
They have also been told scary (to them) truths, that we don’t think being a straight White Christian man means you should rule over everyone else, and that White people will be less than 50% of America by 2040.
I read a very interesting book a few years ago called “Dying of Whiteness” by Jonathan Metzl, in which he describes people who would honestly rather go without healthcare than contribute to coverage for “those people.” Same with education, etc.
I don’t know how to communicate with someone who hangs up the phone, returns our letters unopened, and shouts over us when we talk.
I am not, in any way, saying we shouldn’t try. We should try really hard. But I can’t even figure out where we would start.
Dying of Whiteness is an important book.
Thanks both of you, maybe I'll check it out.
It might not be easy, but we have an opportunity. I think, while I agree with everything you wrote, we probably shouldn't dwell on those points because it will push people away.
Talarico gives us a path we might expand on. Andy Beshear might as well. There are others. Maybe Platner (with the caveats).
The reality is that the messages they are getting allows them to put the blame on others, and in some cases society tells them their "lack of education" is their fault and the cause of their stuggles.
The billionaire elites and the Trump corruption are squeezing everybody. The lies Trump supporters are told prevent them from seeing the truth, and then lead them to place the blame on people they don't like. It's lazy and easy, and even if they don't get better outcomes, they can watch the show and watch other people be hurt worse.
Some of the lack of success people have in this country is indeed not their own fault. Our message should be it is billionaire greed and corruption, with the corruption centered on Trump and his oligarchs.
It isn't the fault of trans people, immigrants, liberals, minorities, or whatever other group is the scapegoat of the day.
Billionaire greed and corruption is a great message to reach across the aisle.
Yes, and like Rick Wilson has been pointing out, link it all to "kitchen table" stuff. And (in my view) backsliding democracy.
Something like:
Americans are losing healthcare. They are losing it because of corrupt billionaires and a corrupt Trump administration, who do not want their money to go to fund healthcare for Americans.
Americans can't afford food, gas, and rent. This is because of corrupt billionaires and a corrupt Trump administration, who are starting wars and making corrupt deals to enrich themselves, while we pay higher prices.
etc.
It has to be a narrative, all centered on the theme of billionaires and Trump enriching themselves and the expense of everyone else. It is a mistake to talk about any of those issues without centering each one on the same theme of corruption, billionaires enriching themselves at our expense. It might even work for other things like climate change and environment. We get sicker and poorer so they can get richer. AI and data centers fit too.
One theme, multiple frames. Repeat it ad infinitum.
Three books come to mind. The first is The Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe. Keefe chronicles the Sackler family and how they deliberately targeted people in order to become billionaires. Many of these people live in Appalachia. It's a fascinating story and one that ties in well with the corruption of the current GOP.
The second is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. She humanizes the people targeted by the Sackler in a brilliant update to Dickens's David Copperfield. One of my brothers lives in this part of Appalachia (rural Virginia) and has seen firsthand many of the things both she and Keefe write about.
The third is Evicted by Matthew Desmond. The takeaway message for me was that there is an entire system making money hand over fist off of the poor. Tackling these intractable problems is complicated and hard, and most politicians are focused on the short term.
There is a lot more to say about this, but I am not surprised that people feel abandoned by the government, because they have been. Democrats do a much better job of addressing the issues that give rise to this kind of wealth disparity, but they have fallen short. Unfortunately the current administration is tearing things down to the point that we have a huge opportunity to build back better (to use Biden's phrasing). We need to keep working to ensure that we have smart, competent, compassionate, and ethical politicians in every municipality across the country. Just getting in a new president is not going to suffice. As Simone said, we need more!
I read Evicted not the other two. I will keep them in mind thanks.
Last night, I attended Yale prof. Jeff Sonnenfeld's book release event for "TRUMP'S
TEN COMMANDMENTS" "Yale leadership scholar Jeffrey Sonnenfeld pulls back the curtain on Donald Trump's repeatable strategies that explain how he conquers chaos, commands loyalty, and bends every arena to his will." See https://trumptencommandments.com/ I think it's an excellent roadmap of Trump's behavioral patterns, enabling better understanding of how he'll react to various situations and how to counter his moves.
Sonnenfeld noted that people with Trump's personality are more likely to destroy what they and others build so that no one else can make use of it.
Helpful link, thank you. I had always imagined that the “flood the zone with sh*t” policy was simply to exhaust us all, but now I’m picturing that various streams in the firehose of sewage also apply other strategic pressures.
There is more motivation for voters than affordability. Corruption is beginning to get through to people.
Dems have to learn a lesson about contesting more elections at the local and state levels. The Republicans have been successful at the state level in states that Dems have ignored. Of course they are out of touch from lack of touching.
There are people looking for better representatives. Recruit, season, and develop new people. Don't screen on insider reactions, don't reject people who can energize voters, don't promise what you can't deliver.
The price level is not under Congressional control. Reversal of policies takes time. Most voters are impatient.
we can't do much without republican help right now, and we aren't often going to get it, because his cult remains too strong. dr rachel bitecofer breaks it down today, and while it is sobering, i look at those indie numbers, and that is where we can mine gold, and send these republican assholes packing.and there is some significant peeling away of non-maga republicans. his cult ain't leaving him no matter what, not without deprogramming. best not to waste time arguing with them.
Does Plattner have a voting record? If so I was unaware. My impression is that his relative youth was his primary attraction.
see Jay Kuo, The Status Kuo, Wednesday for a brilliant analysis of how all the corruption and everything else Trump has been doing are all gears in the same machine.
I have been making my daily calls to Ohio Senators and my Congresswoman. Interestedly, on Monday, the offices of Husten and Morena each answered the phone - that has not happened in months. I complained about the $1.8 billion slush fund going to J6ers & was not challenged or questioned about it. Also, demanded reform of ICE & CBP in $70 billion request in the reconciliation bill. I think the offices wanted to know what constituents think of the slush fund. Tuesday was back to no one answering the calls. Just wanted to mention that I think the Senate Republicans are concerned about ramifications of the slush fund enough to answer the phones. Also, mentioned to Dem Congresswoman about HB 2913 per Simon's request.
He has broadcast so much information about that bunker, how safe will it really be? And, history is littered with dictators who didn't make it out of their "bunkers" alive.
We the People will not allow any bonkers ballroom bunker to be built. Congress is not allowing it. I hope we Proud Patriots rebuild the East Wing as it stood before desecration and obliteration.
A Congressional vote is being taken today. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/21/us/trump-news?unlocked_article_code=1.kFA.8JlS.r7hHi-26W-Ai&smid=url-share
NYT update—"After abandoning plans for a vote on the bill, Thune said senators would 'pick up where we left off' when they return to Washington in early June."
Billion-dollar bonkers ballroom bunker!
🤣
I think he may actually think he will use it to stay in power after 2028. It's like a command center for holding onto power.
My vision is this. If he is not impeached and removed from office first, we will have won the election and be in command of the military, the budget, the bunker, and the defense of the United States Constitution. Our President will also tear down that arch, toss the golden statue, hold accountable those who are responsible for crimes committed in office, and rebuild Our Country.
Yes. I don't think the "ballroom" as some kind of bunker hideout is actually going to work. It would presume that the military would stop taking orders from the duly elected president.
But I do think this is how he views the "ballroom".
The "golden statue" is not public, but the rest of it, yeah, tear that shit down. It's like when the Iraqis tore down the Saddam statue.
Perhaps the whole golf course and accoutrements will get repoed for tax evasion and other debts.
Totally with you on all these B.S. self glorification projects. I'm really looking forward to the public celebration as all of it is torn down, reconstituted, and repainted to original specifications. Like a mini Berlin Wall.
Just finished reading an AP article about the release of the DNC autopsy report:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/facing-intense-internal-pressure-dnc-151703033.html
OK. Good move, Ken. Now we can move on. Nothing in the article was news to us at Hopium; Simon has been articulating the problems addressed in the report for months.
I'm reading it, too. Nothing surprising except that I've seen no real acknowledgment of the fact that she had to step in so late after the Biden Debate Debacle or of the roles racism and sexism played. Agree with their discussion of the need to compete everywhere, which Simon has been saying all along.
I read the linked article. It doesn’t quell the situation at all. How much did the DNC pay for an incomplete report riddled with errors? Did they ask for a return of any fees paid? Why haven’t they spent the ensuing months correcting the errors in the report? Doesn’t withstand scrutiny IMHO.
This was my biggest takeaway, too. Martin probably should have left the report buried. Whether it was assigned to an incompetent person or under-resourced, I'm more concerned about its poor quality than the fact it was buried.
I’m mostly concerned about the waste of donor dollars. We hear about the DNC’s financial straits regularly. Since political contributions are an investment for a better future, what faith will people have that their dollars are being put to good use with this level of waste and incompetence? Its down stream effects are bad.
Maybe assume responsibility for the error and hire better people?
Full 191-page report is here. https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2026/05/May-20-2026.pdf
What about the Ghost Voters in Florida?
They are bringing the receipts in This Will Hold. It's worth reading about Florida.
I contributed again to the Ohio fund.
"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip."
-Will Rogers
I saw this as another instance of MAGA and Trump eating their young.
I love what Simon said "...'doing' is the antidote to all of this..."
Just called Warren and Markey coming down on 4 points: Ukraine/Russia, Slush fund, Cuba (WTF!!!) and REMOVE HIM.
Thanks Simon for a great talk last night. Your vision for expanding and creating a big new Democratic movement is inspiring. NO ONE else is talking about the long haul. I am so glad you are thumping this drum. We could win BIG in November and that would be great, but if we can't hold on to the power and do something magnificent with it, it will be really sad and bad for our country.