The Washington Roundtable digs into the stunning collapse of Graham Platner’s Senate campaign in Maine, and what it means for the Democratic Party’s performance in the upcoming midterms. The hosts are joined by Neera Tanden, the president and C.E.O. of the Center for American Progress and a former adviser to President Joe Biden. The panel grapples with the pressing question of how the Party might resolve some of its ideological divisions and position itself to attract voters looking for an alternative to Donald Trump. Across the board, Americans are seeking a break from the status quo, Tanden argues—regardless of where a given candidate falls on the political spectrum. “People want action,” she says. “It’s not ideological as much as people are hungry for ideas.” 

This week’s reading:

• “Graham Platner’s Point of No Return,” by Jon Allsop

• “Michigan Is the Next Big Test for the Democratic Party,” by Jason Zengerle

• “Trump and NATO Court Erdoğan, Turkey’s Strongman,” by Ishaan Tharoor

• “How Political Is This Supreme Court?,” by Isaac Chotiner

Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts.

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