For Democrats running for governor, whose self-righteous resistance to the Trump administration remains their own and their party’s unrelenting clarion call, they unwittingly (or, even more sadly, wittingly) demonstrate the crass political tool of talking out of both sides their mouths and wanting it both ways.  

In the Dec. 2 front page feature “How will Maine’s next governor work with Trump?” the article quoted four candidates:  “Democrat Hannah Pingree, Angus King III, Nirav Shah and Troy Jackson all said they see pushing back on the administration as an important obligation of the next governor while also noting their willingness to work with the administration if it would benefit Maine.”

Good luck. Instead of a full court press against the current administration, they should try keeping their peace about the 47th president. Focus on the citizens of Maine. And, build their platforms on the positivity of bipartisan cooperation, not on the negativity of vitriolic resistance.  The former is forward thinking; the latter is tiresome whining. 

Republican gubernatorial candidates are not much better if they feel the need to distance themselves from the president who has won two terms, the last one with the popular vote majority. Jonathan Bush at least has the common sense to acknowledge the successful, maverick style of President Trump, despite having once called him a hateful guy: “But at the same time, there are changes to our society that were needed and that I cannot say I would have imagined a mainstream politician accomplishing.” Right on, Mr. Bush.

Albert Black
Kennebunk