Opinion

DOUG SCHOEN: Far-left gamble in Maine blows up, leaving Democrats with one choice

Maine Democrats must use the next two weeks to start a robust primary process

By Doug Schoen Fox News

Published July 10, 2026 9:00am EDT

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Backlash intensifies as Graham Platner drops Senate bid

Former Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner withdraws from the race after a rape accusation, sparking political uproar. Platner blames the media and political establishment for his downfall, while critics, including Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, denounce his "narcissistic" video. Democrats now race to select a new nominee by July 27, with figures like Troy Jackson emerging.

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Democrats are facing a crisis after the implosion of Graham Platner’s candidacy in Maine following explosive allegations of sexual assault and his withdrawal from the race.

To that end, it is clear that Democrats’ strategy — particularly the approach of democratic socialists — of picking far-left candidates with no experience and without vetting is fraught with peril, as Platner’s case underscores.

Right now, Democrats have one last opportunity to seize victory from the jaws of potential defeat, and it’s critical they take it.

PLATNER CAMPAIGN PUTTING 'THUMB ON SCALE' TO INFLUENCE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT, MAINE DEM ALLEGES

What must Democrats do?

Plainly, they need to avoid repeating the coronation process used by former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Quite simply, Maine Democrats must use the next two weeks to start a robust process that ideally goes deeper than their 600-delegate nominating convention.

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