This is in response to Randy Billings’ June 9 article, “Graham Platner clinches Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins in Maine Senate race.”

This morning, on “Morning Joe,” co-host Mika Brzezinski interviewed Graham Platner. Mr. Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, has recently been in the spotlight due to allegations about his past, namely reports that he exchanged sexually explicit messages with other women early in his marriage and treated some past romantic partners in a demeaning fashion. 

Ms. Brzezinski, usually a fierce advocate for women, suspended her journalistic judgment when she conflated Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific legacy of child sexual abuse and trafficking with Platner’s text messaging. She asked: “Can you call for the release of the Epstein files, and can you call for those who abused women, and not be conflicted in any way?” 

What a total lack of moral proportion. Brzezinski should be ashamed of herself. Linking the actions of one of the worst child predators in recent history to a candidate’s personal, flawed indiscretions is beyond the pale and the height of media irresponsibility. Brzezinski owes an apology to Platner for the comparison, and while she’s at it, an apology to Epstein’s victims for trivializing their horrendous treatment.

Jim Paladino
Tampa, Florida