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The Democratic Party, including even its progressive left wing in recent years, has become fixated on recruiting hypermasculine candidatesâparticularly military veteransâto counter Republican narratives portraying Democrats as effete coastal elites. This strategy aims to project strength, patriotism, and relatability to working-class and swing voters. A stark illustration of the risks of this strategy emerged with Graham Platner, a Marine Corps and Army veteran, oyster farmer, and progressive-backed candidate who won Maineâs Democratic Senate primary with 72% of the vote. Platner, who emphasized his combat tours and working-class background, suspended his campaign in July 2026 after facing sexual assault allegations.
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IPTC: Copyright Notice
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(C) 2026 Ted Rall, Distributed by Andrews McMeel Syndication
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