Far-left journalist Joy Reid unloaded on the Democratic Party following Graham Platner’s suspension of his Maine Senate campaign on Wednesday, telling voters they have her "permission to not vote" if leadership opts to replace the progressive candidate with a more moderate option.On "The Joy Reid Show," the former MSNBC host warned key figures in the party that if they do not replace Platner with an "ideologically similar candidate," voters may stay home on Election Day."You need to replace him with somebody who is ideologically the same, because that is what was decided.The people of Maine, the Democratic voters of Maine said, ‘We want a progressive.’ They did not say they want an AIPAC [American Israel Public Affairs Committee] moderate," Reid said.
"So the Democratic Party in Maine ought to pick someone who is ideologically the same or ideologically similar as Platner."Reid went on to give Maine voters her blessing not to cast their ballot if the Democrats do not select a candidate whose policies are in line with Platner’s campaign promises.PLATNER DROPS OUT OF CRUCIAL SENATE RACE AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION TORPEDOES CAMPAIGNGraham Platner addressed the crowd at his watch party after winning the Democratic nomination for U.S.Senate at a YMCA in Blue Hill, Maine, June 9, 2026. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)"If you don't and the DNC shoves an AIPAC candidate down your throat, you have my permission to not vote for them because the Democratic Party needs to learn that it is not, ‘Vote blue no matter who’ — it matters who," Reid continued.The podcast host suggested that the Democrats would have to reckon with an inevitable election loss if party leaders do not take voters’ preferences into account."They sometimes need to lose in order to learn," Reid said.
"Sometimes when you lose, you learn."Reid concluded with words of warning for the party that if they select another "sellout moderate" to fill Platner’s seat, the decision could co...