It’s a peculiar American pastime: we champion an underdog, then turn around and tear him, or her, down again. Democratic senatorial candidate Graham Platner is the most recent case in point. Local and national media touted his back story: a small-town Mainer, a Marine Corps veteran and a successful oyster farmer.

But then all hell broke loose. Opposition research (by the DNC? Schumer? Collins? Mills?) unearthed old Reddit posts that painted Mr. Platner in an unflattering light. He promptly disavowed views he’d once held, and provided context as to where he was in his life at that point. Disappointed that he’d remained in the race, his detractors focused on his tattoos — specifically one that resembled a Nazi symbol. Platner effectively removed that tattoo, and once again provided context.

His many supporters have remained steadfast. Perhaps it’s because the people of Maine are fed up with the oligarchy. They’re tired of their obscene wealth and power, their unwillingness to share profits that the work of others has provided them and their determination to marginalize what’s left of the middle class, as well as blue collar workers who’ve always been the backbone of Maine’s economy.

I, for one, would like to hear more from Graham Platner, and look forward to a full discussion of the issues.

Stephen McKay
Brunswick