Don't let Platner make you bitter and cynical

[canetoad]

As most of you know, I have no skin in this game - only a keen interest in seeing the Democrats remove trump and return the US to a state of normalcy.

I was doubtful about Platner at the start. Then I listened to a few of his comments and speeches and thought - hey, this guy is genuine. His explanations were believable. The memory of Al Franken loomed large; another mistake like that should be avoided.

Well, it seems those who trusted him and gave him a second chance were wrong. But please don't let distrust and cynicism colour your entire outlook. I prefer to trust and be proven wrong than live with suspicion of everyone.

People deserve a second chance when they have transgressed - not another chance to do the same thing again, but a chance to clean up their act and move forward. I know a lot of you are hurting and I share the pain you are experiencing but please - keep an open mind going forward and deal with every person as an individual on their merits.

Thanks for reading.

[stopdiggin]

1. The guy DID speak well - and about a lot

of the right things. Did seem 'electable' on the face of it. And, yes, it is possible that people turn their lives around and deserve second chances. Platner might be legitimate in that regard. (?)

And yet - it's possible for two things to be true at the same time. And the other 'truth' is - as recently as five years ago, he was still showing up drunk - uninvited and unwanted - and letting himself in to another person's dwelling to have unwanted sex ...
With that being not only a fairly considerable hurdle (for any individual, much less a public figure) - but also more or less by definition ....

So, no ... Not bitter.
But there were warning signs of disqualifying character/behavior. (and not in ancient past, or misguided 'youth')

[Buzz cook]

2. Already bitter and cynical.

We got boxed in by the Platner movement. Maybe in the same way that establishment Republicans got boxed in by Trump.
Platner said all the right words and no one else really was. A sizable contingent of Democrats glomed on and because there was no alternative except for establishment Democrats that weren't speaking to the base they married Platner.

My cynicism comes from the fact that Democrats could have nurtured 2 or 3 Platners of their own and instead got caught with their pants down and drafted a tired old lady.

[canetoad]

4. That reply

Will teach me to be an optimist.

[LuvLoogie]

3. Meh.

Maine has been electing Collins over and over. I don't really feel any kinda way.

The American electorate is full of shitty people who elect shitty people in order to shit on people.

If Maine wants Collins and the shit she supports, have at it. They might still pick a Dem, though.

Especially once we roll out Project 2029!

[FHRRK1]

5. I also gave him a chance

Not a lot of research, watched the town hall answer that was played often. Gave me a bit of comfort but was still questionable. Basically he stated that both sides are saying the same things, just in different ways and we can work together. Hmm, so I pondered that and tried to think about my own relationships with Repubs. Came to the conclusion, that we aren't saying the same things. I am not a parrot of any news program. I am not a racist, not a religious person yet have morals as opposed to too many Rs being "religious" yet lacking morals.

With that, how the holy fuck did he get through any type of vetting. I think I could have sat with him for an hour and realized, this dude is a whiney ass, entitled, Republican, bitch ass loser at his core.

Looks like Maine has a decent plan to get a new nominee.

[MerryBlooms]

6. I only feel starry eyed hard for two political figures in my life.

Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama.

Bill Clinton kinda, but no where near Carter and Obama.
That old saying something like, what is it? You're not marrying these folks? Just electing them? I'm sure tired and can't remember.

But, I am still tears of joy listening to Carter and Obama.

I don't think anyone ever listening to Mr. Platner, will have tears of joy watching his videos. jmho

[LeftInTX]

7. I didn't like the fact that he had a Nazi tattoo and thought he was done last fall!

I worked real hard on primaries down here and then the runoff, which was May 26th. Then, I read that everyone was supporting Platner because Janet Mills was old and boring and establishment and that his tatoo and other stuff didn't matter.

I'm like, "whatever"....

[ColoringFool]

8. Not to worry. I have been laughing at the aggressive gulls.

[calimary]

9. Definitely. Lots to learn from this!

Tomorrow is another day and Platner gave up pretty much as soon as he could (or did).

It’s done.

He’s out. Voluntarily. This wasn’t bloody. And we should all be grateful that the conclusion came as quickly (and as smoothly) as it did.

News coverage indicates that Maine Dems are focused on moving ahead with a new candidate, and they know they don’t have a lot of time. And they SHOULD get on this and GET. IT. DONE.

[PCB66]

10. Politics is a contact sport

It can get brutal at times.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

11. One way to avoid becoming bitter and cynical is to not put your hopes and dreams in the hands of a politician.

No one is coming to save you.