Liberal YouTubers

... to be an excuse for abusive behavior, racism, and dishonesty.

Attempting to use his political positions on Gaza as a shield to deflect from Platner's actions is a classic diversion. The reality is that Platner's downfall was entirely self-inflicted. His progressive policy positions do not erase the serious sexual assault allegations, his history of anti-gay and racist rhetoric, his Nazi Totenkopf chest tattoo, or the fact that his "self-made oyster farmer" persona was a total fabrication.

Even the most prominent progressives in the country recognized this. As soon as the details of his behavior came to light, leaders like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Ro Khanna immediately rescinded their endorsements and called on him to step down. They didn't view it as an "establishment hatchet job" ... they recognized that his conduct made him completely unfit for office.

Maine and the Democratic Party deserve better than a candidate carrying this much toxic baggage. Having high standards for the people we elect isn't "subverting democracy"—it is how we protect the integrity of our movement. We absolutely dodged a bullet.