The Political Scene | The New Yorker · The New Yorker

Graham Platner Is Staying in the Race

December 22, 2025·49 min·4 clips

Graham Platner explains why his past offensive comments don't disqualify him from running for Senate.

David Remnick interviews Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, discussing his background as a veteran and oyster farmer, his controversial past comments, and his critique of the Democratic Party's corporate ties. The conversation explores themes of economic insecurity, political transformation, and the impact of military experience on policy views.

As heard by us

Graham Plattner's Maine Senate run turns into a sharper argument about what Democrats think working-class politics should look like.

Graham Plattner's Senate run follows a familiar Democratic search for someone who can speak credibly about economic strain and working people.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want the backstory on Graham Plattner's Maine Senate run and the Democratic search for candidates who sound more like working people.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Political Scene | The New Yorker