Anthony Barnett’s

Notes On Now

Platner’s Past

Graham Platner has won the Democratic primary to run for the US Senate in Maine. When he started, he said: “I did four infantry tours in the Marine Corps and the Army. I’m not afraid to name an enemy. And the enemy is the oligarchy.” After that, he was subject to a relentless campaign of personal attacks – from his neo-fascist tattoo to arm-twisting ex-girlfriends. No one who has served eight years on active service can emerge unscathed.

The important point is that Platner owns it.

When he thanked his supporters on 9 June, he said: “If you believe as I do that we can change our politics and change our country, then you must also believe that people can change … Redemption is not just some simple or easy destination; it’s a journey. I’ve made mistakes in my life that I regret [and] continue to learn from.”

This is what distinguishes him from criminals like Trump who cannot admit to losing an election or being a felon. We all have skeletons. Being truthful about them should be the starting point for public life.