Graham Platner appears to be living in Steve Collins’ head rent free. 

In late September, Steve lectured Democratic voters that they need to listen to party elders and support Janet Mills in the primary for the U.S. Senate seat held, since 1997, by Susan Collins. On Oct. 23, he joined the commentators who’ve decided that what they consider Platner’s baggage should make him drop out. On Oct. 29, Collins let us know that the baggage doesn’t matter as much as the fact that Platner doesn’t have a college degree — a requisite for senators that I was unaware of.

Well, maybe it’s Platner’s life experience as a vet and a working man that allows him to speak directly and actually answer questions in the overflowing town halls that he’s held, instead of the word-salad answers we typically get from politicians — if they ever bother to actually interact unscripted with the public.

Steve Collins seems to be completely uncurious as to why so many people of all ages, but particularly young people, show up for Platner’s events and have volunteered for the campaign. So, let me try to explain.

They see a guy who can talk to everyone — progressives, MAGA supporters, libertarians. They hear someone who’s willing to say the words oligarchy, billionaire and Medicare for All. To say that we should spend taxpayer money on schools and hospitals instead of on funding genocide. 

We won’t hear Mills or Collins say any of those things. Maybe they’re the ones who need some of Steve’s advice.

Renee Cote
Auburn