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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
David Smith in Washington

Graham Platner debacle puts Democrats in grave danger of blowing it in the midterms

Graham Platner Donald Trump Maine
Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination on 9 June 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.
Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination on 9 June 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine. Photograph: Robert F Bukaty/AP

Two years ago Democrats had one job: stop Donald Trump from returning to the White House. It was the only thing that mattered, but with breathtaking political malpractice, they imploded.

This November Democrats have two jobs: win the House of Representatives and win the Senate to turn Trump into a lame duck president for his final two years. But once again the party, fond of warning that the stakes are existential, is in grave danger of blowing it.

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