In the latest episode of political theater, we’re treated to the Democrats awkwardly scrambling to distance themselves from their former golden boy, Grant Platter. Once prized for his so-called progressive credentials, Platter has become a liability, thanks to the emergence of serious allegations against him. Of course, it didn’t seem to concern them much until the polls started to dip and Platter’s chances of victory vanished like a snowball in July. Whether it was the accusations or optics—who’s to say?—suddenly, the Democrats found their moral compass or at least wanted everyone to think they did.
Enter stage left, the parade of Democratic leaders urging Platter to step aside. It’s almost amusing, watching them attempt to reclaim the moral high ground they abandoned long ago. Suddenly, people like Schumer and Jeffries are more concerned with principles than pragmatism—or so they want us to believe. It’s a nice story if you’re into fairy tales. In reality, it’s all about the power equation. Platter was a tool in their power play, nothing more, and now that he’s no longer politically viable, it’s off to the scrap heap with him.
However, it turns out Platter is not going gently into that good night. In true theatrical fashion, he’s refused to exit the stage without having some say in who his replacement will be. While Platter isn’t anyone’s idea of a hero—many would call him quite the opposite—it does seem fitting that his parting shot might be to leave his party in a bind. Perhaps it’s some twisted form of poetic justice. After all, they knew who he was, and they didn’t care until it started to cost them at the polls.
The Democrats’ sudden burst of virtue is a farce, plain and simple. They overlooked Platter’s questionable past until it threatened their grip on power. One cannot help but chuckle at the irony of the left, supposedly the party of #MeToo, standing by Platter until the bitter end. The outrage now seems less about justice for women and more about shedding dead weight. It seems their principles are as flexible as a yoga instructor after a triple espresso.
And while Republicans, by contrast, have been painted as morally rigid or even outdated, one can’t help but notice how this steadfastness isn’t the worst trait when faced with the limber opportunism of the left. If the Democrats want to continue showcasing this high-minded morality, they might consider applying it consistently, not just when it’s politically convenient. Until then, the rest of us can only watch and wait for the next act in the show—where power, it seems, is the only plotline that truly matters.
