NYT panel debates whether Graham Platner is a ‘dirtbag’ or Democrats’ answer to Trump-era politics

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. GOP strategist Ashley Hayek and Democratic strategist Mally Smith discuss the political fallout for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as past scandals emerge. Smith acknowledges trust issues with voters, while Hayek criticizes Democrats for prioritizing politics over principles. New York Times Opinion panelists on Saturday debated Democrat Graham Platner's Maine U.S. Senate campaign on "The Opinions," asking whether his scandals, outsider image and support ahead of Tuesday's primary show how deeply President Donald Trump has changed voters' expectations for character in politics. "Obviously, he’s not Donald Trump. I mean, he is the gateway drug to Trumpism. Let’s put it this way: If he wins and [Texas Senate candidate James] Talarico loses, the cry across the land, in that Democratic consultant class, will be: ‘Find me more Platners. We need more