From my first sexual assault investigation before #MeToo to years uncovering Epstein’s crimes with Virginia Giuffre, here’s why I’ve learned that silence is often the first chapter—not the last.
The democrats rushed to pick someone who looked the part but did extremely poor vetting if at all, hence we knew little about his character. I knew he was an ahole but I was going to vote for him anyway. I’m a Mainer and there’s still time to defeat Collins. Bread mold should be able to defeat her.
Wajahat texted her right in the middle of a livestream this noon, she replied, “I’m thinking.” She also said her phone was blowing up, so I guess that means many people had the same thought.
I had reservations about him from the beginning. It wasn’t just his poor judgment in tattoos early on but the red flags kept popping up! Those red flags indicated there must be something more beneath the surface. Now this! He needs to drop out NOW!
I too had those very strong reservations. I also got such intense Fetterman vibes that I could never overlook. I would not put it past Trump at all to find and support any candidate to dupe the voters in such a deceptive way.
Look Tara this guy should not have gotten three feet down the road. I have been screaming about Platner from Day 1. I have been attacked, marginalized and have recieved hard dismissive response. I've been called a Republican and a lot worse for forcing people to pay attention to the "con job". We don't need gamers and predators in office. This whole thing makes me sick. If you are going to take the high ground then you had to actually be a man of character. So maybe shame will make people think. The Platner Con Show has gone on way too long and it might help to offer giant Platters of Crow for the predator racist enablers. Because it happens in the left too.
You were right, 100% about Platner. What infuriates me still is no quality workers' rights candidates emerge from the Dem ranks! We are on the verge of AI job killing and the Dems can only whine 'What can we do?' The Republicans are evil and worthless. However, the Dems play hopeless and helpless while cashing K street bonus checks. Seriously WTF are avg people supposed to do?
Tara you were ahead of your time at 25 years old. God Bless you for helping these victims. I have to admit, I was so naive, there was such problem of sexual abuse. In my little world, no such thing would have happened. I know one thing, if a man did that to my sisters, he would have wish he had never done it. Thanks for doing the right thing.
This was an award-winning (or should be) piece of writing from depth of experiences, sitting with them individually and collectively and understanding the nuance of what was heard, seen, felt and meant. To synthesize it afterward with such a high degree of clarity is impressive. Holy Wow.
Thank you for your reporting Tara! I can’t imagine how hard it is to listen to these stories of sexual abuse and rape. I remember that protest of the student carrying around the mattress on campus. That was powerful. The tattoos should’ve been the end, but everyone wanted to push it aside and say that it was no big deal. Then the NYT story came out about the physical abuse and people tried to tie her accusations to her politics. Now, we finally have a sexual assault story out and everyone is jumping ship. Like you, I’m not surprised that this story came out. After the NYT article came out, I said to myself I wouldn’t be surprised if another big story comes that could end campaign. Now it has happened and here we are.
Tara, this piece is excellent. It is so difficult for victims to speak out the first time, even without the knowledge that they may have to repeat that story for years and continually be challenged, criticized, and denied justice. An expert in the legal field supporting victims once told me that people who had never experienced sexual violence can't comprehend what victims go through or that someone would commit a horrible act against another. This article is a step towards bridging that gap. Thank you for your reporting.
I never trusted him. I saw the red flags & a pattern that I recognized in my own past. I was raised in an abusive home with an alcoholic father. As a teen, I was naive and vulnerable and got into a severely abusive relationship which involved sexual abuse. He groomed me. He was psychotic, controlling, a compulsive liar and very manipulative. I was with him for almost 2 yrs and it took me over a year to realize I was being abused. The therapist called it rape. Even after I left 3x, he stalked me. He was a predator and because of what I’ve been through, I can easily see the patterns. I felt an unsettling feeling in my gut with Platner. Abusers don’t change. We should believe the women.
Thanks. I had years of therapy but that kind of damage is sadly irreversible. I have ptsd but it didn’t really surface until my 30’s & I am chronically ill because there is a mind body connection. I am 54 now & certain things just trigger me even though it happened in the early 90’s.
The democrats rushed to pick someone who looked the part but did extremely poor vetting if at all, hence we knew little about his character. I knew he was an ahole but I was going to vote for him anyway. I’m a Mainer and there’s still time to defeat Collins. Bread mold should be able to defeat her.
Not a lot of time to make that switch, only a week
You wouldn't happen to have Heather Cox Richardson's contact info? Maybe suggest she step in?
Wajahat texted her right in the middle of a livestream this noon, she replied, “I’m thinking.” She also said her phone was blowing up, so I guess that means many people had the same thought.
So sad
I had reservations about him from the beginning. It wasn’t just his poor judgment in tattoos early on but the red flags kept popping up! Those red flags indicated there must be something more beneath the surface. Now this! He needs to drop out NOW!
I too had those very strong reservations. I also got such intense Fetterman vibes that I could never overlook. I would not put it past Trump at all to find and support any candidate to dupe the voters in such a deceptive way.
I'm thinking I owe Tara a apology, I had the Platner story and got it wrong, trust Tara I say!
I didnt mean it in a toldja so way
Look Tara this guy should not have gotten three feet down the road. I have been screaming about Platner from Day 1. I have been attacked, marginalized and have recieved hard dismissive response. I've been called a Republican and a lot worse for forcing people to pay attention to the "con job". We don't need gamers and predators in office. This whole thing makes me sick. If you are going to take the high ground then you had to actually be a man of character. So maybe shame will make people think. The Platner Con Show has gone on way too long and it might help to offer giant Platters of Crow for the predator racist enablers. Because it happens in the left too.
He fooled me too.
You were right, 100% about Platner. What infuriates me still is no quality workers' rights candidates emerge from the Dem ranks! We are on the verge of AI job killing and the Dems can only whine 'What can we do?' The Republicans are evil and worthless. However, the Dems play hopeless and helpless while cashing K street bonus checks. Seriously WTF are avg people supposed to do?
Great piece Tara!
Thank you!
That's why Tara. Journalists like you are important. We need people like you who continue to ask the tough questions. Don't stop
Tara you were ahead of your time at 25 years old. God Bless you for helping these victims. I have to admit, I was so naive, there was such problem of sexual abuse. In my little world, no such thing would have happened. I know one thing, if a man did that to my sisters, he would have wish he had never done it. Thanks for doing the right thing.
Thank you ❤️
appreciate the personal reflections and the noticing of patterns. mostly appreciating your patience and curiosity and skill.
Of course
This was an award-winning (or should be) piece of writing from depth of experiences, sitting with them individually and collectively and understanding the nuance of what was heard, seen, felt and meant. To synthesize it afterward with such a high degree of clarity is impressive. Holy Wow.
Thank you
I concur.
Thank you for your reporting Tara! I can’t imagine how hard it is to listen to these stories of sexual abuse and rape. I remember that protest of the student carrying around the mattress on campus. That was powerful. The tattoos should’ve been the end, but everyone wanted to push it aside and say that it was no big deal. Then the NYT story came out about the physical abuse and people tried to tie her accusations to her politics. Now, we finally have a sexual assault story out and everyone is jumping ship. Like you, I’m not surprised that this story came out. After the NYT article came out, I said to myself I wouldn’t be surprised if another big story comes that could end campaign. Now it has happened and here we are.
Precisely!
Tara, this piece is excellent. It is so difficult for victims to speak out the first time, even without the knowledge that they may have to repeat that story for years and continually be challenged, criticized, and denied justice. An expert in the legal field supporting victims once told me that people who had never experienced sexual violence can't comprehend what victims go through or that someone would commit a horrible act against another. This article is a step towards bridging that gap. Thank you for your reporting.
Thank you Jennifer ❤️
Definitely felt like there was more that was going to come out. Very glad she’s speaking out now.
I never trusted him. I saw the red flags & a pattern that I recognized in my own past. I was raised in an abusive home with an alcoholic father. As a teen, I was naive and vulnerable and got into a severely abusive relationship which involved sexual abuse. He groomed me. He was psychotic, controlling, a compulsive liar and very manipulative. I was with him for almost 2 yrs and it took me over a year to realize I was being abused. The therapist called it rape. Even after I left 3x, he stalked me. He was a predator and because of what I’ve been through, I can easily see the patterns. I felt an unsettling feeling in my gut with Platner. Abusers don’t change. We should believe the women.
I’m am so sorry you had to go through all of this.
Thanks. I had years of therapy but that kind of damage is sadly irreversible. I have ptsd but it didn’t really surface until my 30’s & I am chronically ill because there is a mind body connection. I am 54 now & certain things just trigger me even though it happened in the early 90’s.
This evil in the country needs to STOP!
You're a great reporter, Tara. My favorite by far. And another amazing piece of journalism. Thank you for your hard work.
Thank you ❤️
No doubt she’s my favorite
Good evening and thank you for your reporting .
Thank you so much. Thank you for your courage and integrity and professionalism. Stay strong. Stay healthy. Thank you.
Great piece but i feel like i missed some news? Is Platner dropping out? Did more info come out today
Taking a break to think about it
You know when a whole lot of people have a bad feeling, it’s usually accurate.
Maine needs to do something quick or we get Colin’s back.
https://mainenewsroom.substack.com/p/breaking-news-senate-candidate-graham?r=qoyen&utm_medium=ios