Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner appeared with Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont on Monday, promoting several progressive ideas while criticizing Republican Senator Susan Collins. Platner, the Democratic candidate challenging Collins in November, made these comments during a rally in Portland called “Fighting Oligarchy.” This event aimed to galvanize progressive supporters and expand grassroots organizing before the midterm elections. The rally in Portland was one part of Sanders’ multiple stops in Maine, where he was joined by Platner and gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson.
Throughout the rally, Platner emphasized anti-corporate themes, encouraging the crowd to participate in what he described as a “political revolution.” He stated, “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.” Platner accused Collins of supporting policies that benefit the wealthy while neglecting average citizens.
Platner also spoke against excessive U.S. military spending linked to conflicts in Gaza and Iran. He stated American tax dollars should focus on domestic needs like schools and hospitals, rather than on military interventions abroad.
Sanders took the stage and described Platner’s campaign as pivotal for the progressive movement. Sanders said, “You elect Graham Platner senator, you’re going to transform America.” The Vermont senator also tied Platner to his wealth tax proposal, saying, “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.” This proposal aims to address income inequality by targeting the ultra-wealthy.
Platner was positioned as an ally in curbing the influence of tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Sanders stated, “Graham understands… we are not going to let a handful of billionaires control the future of this country.” This reflects concerns about the unchecked power of a few in shaping areas like artificial intelligence and robotics.