Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner appeared with Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in a Monday rally addressing progressive themes. On this occasion, Platner criticized five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins and discussed U.S. weapons spending related to conflicts in Gaza and Iran.
Platner aims to challenge Collins in the upcoming November election. During a ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ rally in Portland, led by Sanders, Platner sought to energize progressive activists and encourage grassroots efforts ahead of midterm elections. This rally was part of Sanders’ campaign events in Maine, also featuring gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson.
Throughout his speech, Platner emphasized anti-corporate rhetoric, urging crowds of supporters to join in building a ‘political revolution’ to reclaim ‘what is ours.’ He said, ‘We are taking back what is ours. We’re going to take it back from the corporations that seek profit, no matter the cost, from the billionaires for whom greed is the point, and from corrupt politicians like Susan Collins, corrupt politicians who have sold us out.’
Platner went on to accuse the political system, particularly likening it to Collins, as one that enriches politicians while offering little to the average person. He accused health insurance executives of prospering at the public’s expense. He stated, ‘It is a system that is the politics of Susan Collins, a politics that turns politicians into millionaires, but tells you to be grateful for crumbs.’
Platner also addressed U.S. foreign policy, criticizing the use of American tax revenue for military purposes overseas. He argued that tax dollars should prioritize education and healthcare in the U.S. over military actions in regions like Gaza and Iran. ‘Our tax dollars can build schools and hospitals in America instead of bombs to drop on them in Gaza and Iran,’ he remarked.
During the rally, Sanders supported Platner’s campaign, labeling it as vital for the progressive cause. ‘You elect Graham Platner senator, you’re going to transform America,’ Sanders declared to the attendees.
Sanders highlighted his wealth tax proposal, suggesting Platner would be a strong ally in this legislative effort. ‘I introduced legislation, which Graham will be by my side in fighting for, which says that we are going to impose a 5% annual wealth tax on 938 billionaires in America,’ Sanders announced.
Platner and Sanders also expressed concerns about the influence of tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg over developing technologies. Sanders emphasized the need to prevent a ‘handful of billionaires’ from controlling the future of technological advancements like AI and robotics. ‘Graham understands… we are not going to let a handful of billionaires control the future of this country,’ Sanders affirmed.
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