What Lindsey Graham Wanted

Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly last night, was a pivotal citizen of the Washington conversation. He loved being in the mix, slapping bipartisan backs off camera, and then, when the lights came on, cracking wise, weighing in, and, yes, currying favor with a certain Audience of One. What could be more fitting, then, for Graham—unable to be a participant on this fateful Sunday morning—to actually become the only thing better: the main topic of the news. He died as he lived. Graham was a complex character—his private life, sudden…

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Organizing 101: Know Your Rights: A Protest Guide for Activists and Organizers

This blog is part of a larger series called “Organizing 101: Outrage to Organizing”  Knowing Your Rights Matters Now More Than Ever Protests and demonstrations are a way people show the powers-that-be they are mighty and deserve to be heard. Throughout history, protests have helped create real change, pushing leaders to make changes that improve people’s lives. But attending a protest can feel uncertain, especially if it’s your first time. To be fully prepared and stay safe, read up on your rights during protests. Knowing-your-rights trainings and educational materials exist…

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Perhaps the Nazi Tattoo Was a Clue

The Senate race in Maine looks significantly different than it did 48 hours ago. Yesterday, Politico reported a credible allegation of sexual assault against the Democratic nominee, Graham Platner. In a video posted after the story broke, Platner denied the accusation but said that his campaign would explore the best way forward, opening the door to what seems like an inevitable withdrawal from the race. Now the voices that had most vehemently defended Platner during previous scandals or vouched for the necessity of his folksy progressivism have withdrawn their endorsements,…

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MoveOn Drops Endorsement of Graham Platner After Disturbing Allegations

PORTLAND, ME – In response to the sexual assault allegations reported in Politico against U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, MoveOn Political Action Executive Director Katie Bethell released the following statement: “The allegations of sexual assault that have been raised about Graham Platner are serious and credible. It is important that we all listen when victims courageously share their stories.  “Platner promised the people of Maine that he’d disclosed everything they needed to know about his past, and that is clearly not true. We  surveyed our Maine membership, and he no…

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