CNN chief national correspondent John King said Friday that many Democratic voters in Maine are eager to put the Graham Platner controversy behind them, arguing that the former Senate candidate’s continued public comments are only adding to the uncertainty as the party begins the process of selecting a replacement nominee.
King made the remarks during an interview with CNN anchor Dana Bash, who asked him about the political mood in Maine following Platner’s pledge to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.
Bash noted that King had spent considerable time in Maine last month and had continued speaking with voters there, particularly female voters who had already expressed reservations about Platner before his withdrawal.
“What are you hearing from them now that Platner has imploded?” Bash asked.
King responded that many of the voters he has spoken with have grown frustrated with Platner’s public statements since announcing his departure from the race.
“First and foremost, they wish he would shut up,” King said, apologizing for his language before elaborating on what he had been hearing from Democratic voters.
According to King, many voters were unhappy with Platner’s exit video because they believed he portrayed himself as the victim. Instead, King said those voters view Platner himself as the source of the problem.
King added that frustration also extends beyond the former candidate to the political organizations and individuals who helped recruit him.
He specifically pointed to Bernie Sanders supporters, consultants, and labor unions that backed Platner’s campaign, saying many voters believe those groups are still attempting to play an active role in determining the outcome of the race.
King acknowledged that continued involvement from those supporters may matter to progressive Democrats who initially backed Platner. However, he said many other Democrats—including some who only reluctantly supported Platner in the first place—simply want to move beyond the controversy.
According to King, those voters are ready to leave behind not only Platner himself but also the broader political coalition that surrounded his campaign.
As Democrats prepare to begin the two-week process of selecting a replacement nominee, King said many party members in Maine are increasingly uneasy.
He noted that Democrats had viewed Maine as their top opportunity this election cycle to flip a Republican-held Senate seat by defeating incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.
Now, King said, many Democrats worry that internal divisions could once again undermine their chances.
To explain why the race had been viewed so favorably, King pointed to recent presidential election results in the state.
He noted that Kamala Harris carried Maine by nine percentage points and that Joe Biden also won the state by nine points in 2020.
Despite those Democratic victories at the presidential level, King reminded viewers that Collins was also on the ballot in 2020 and still won reelection.
According to King, that history is exactly why Democrats remain concerned.
He said Collins has already demonstrated that she can prevail even during a political environment that favors Democrats, making her a formidable opponent despite the state’s recent presidential voting patterns.
King added that Democrats fear another contentious nomination battle could deepen existing divisions within the party.
If supporters of unsuccessful candidates become discouraged or dissatisfied during the selection process, he said, some may choose not to participate in the November election.
Summing up the situation, King said Democrats in Maine have two immediate priorities: finding a new Senate candidate and moving beyond the controversy surrounding Platner as quickly as possible.
After King concluded his analysis, Bash thanked him for joining the program.
“All right, well, we’ll see if that happens. John, thank you so much, appreciate it,” Bash said.
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