Coup de Maine

The Commentary Magazine Daily Podcast confronts a political earthquake in Maine, where Democratic Governor Janet Mills has been ousted by Graham Plattner—a candidate with a Nazi tattoo and controversial ties to Hamas—after a fierce primary battle. The hosts debate whether this is a sign of the Democratic Party’s ideological capture by a radical left wing, particularly the Democratic Socialists of America, whose anti-Israel stance they argue masks a deeper anti-Semitism. Matt Continetti warns that Plattner’s rise reflects a dangerous evolution of 'wokeness' on the left, where anti-white rhetoric has been replaced by anti-Jewish targeting, normalizing violence and demonizing Israel as a proxy for America itself. The discussion pivots to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Louisiana v. Calais, which limits the use of race in redistricting unless there is clear evidence of intentional discrimination. The hosts hail this as a triumph of colorblind constitutionalism, correcting a decades-long Republican strategy of gerrymandering to create majority-minority districts that, while increasing minority representation, eliminated meaningful competition and voter choice. They argue this shift will force candidates to appeal across racial lines, revitalizing democracy.