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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Column: Democrats put forward two styles of American masculinity

The column portrays Platner as a rough-edged candidate facing scrutiny over past conduct and seeking voters’ trust.

Column: Democrats put forward two styles of American masculinity
Image · Los Angeles Times

SOURCE CHECK

TAP FOR WHY
Outlet credibilityLos Angeles Times85/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
tl;dr

A Los Angeles Times opinion column contrasts Senate candidates Graham Platner and James Talarico as embodying different styles of masculinity, while weighing their campaign controversies and Republican attacks. The piece argues that both Democrats could appeal to voters and potentially help their party flip the Senate.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Platner in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Platner’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

SWIPE →

Democratic Senate candidate in Maine

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Democratic Senate candidate in Texas

Talarico's version of this story ↗
Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Republican senator from Maine whose seat Platner is seeking

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President of the United States

Eric Swalwell
Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)

Democratic politician mentioned as an example in a comparison

Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate in Texas and attorney general who attacks Talarico

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Republican senator from Texas whose seat Talarico is seeking

ALSO MENTIONED  Barack Obama, Former president cited as a comparison; Stephen Miller, Political figure quoted attacking Talarico

Part of a bigger story

50 OUTLETS
Former Partners Make Allegations About Graham Platner

Reports describe former partners’ allegations of abusive or intimidating conduct by Platner, who denied them; the claims surfaced during his campaign for a Maine Senate seat. Left-leaning outlets frame the allegations through claims of political targeting and effects on Democrats’ chances, though one says Platner is squandering an electoral opening. Center outlets largely pair accounts with denials, while opinion pieces debate accountability and Democratic support. Right-leaning outlets more often present the allegations as a liability for Platner and scrutinize defenders for partisan double standards.

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