Michael Nickerson
@michaelnickerson.bsky.social
Reader, writer, traveler, educator, runner, and lifelong Mainer. Life is better with a good book, knees that don't hurt, and a quality scotch of an evening.
My Substack: https://mtnickerson.substack.com/?r=5bb6p0&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist
My Substack: https://mtnickerson.substack.com/?r=5bb6p0&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist
I find it baffling that this readily available information is out there, yet some people continue to insist Platner was some sort of mercenary.
It’s also interesting that being paid by Blackwater for some folks is different than being paid by the U.S. military.
It’s also interesting that being paid by Blackwater for some folks is different than being paid by the U.S. military.
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
I find it baffling that this readily available information is out there, yet some people continue to insist Platner was some sort of mercenary.
It’s also interesting that being paid by Blackwater for some folks is different than being paid by the U.S. military.
It’s also interesting that being paid by Blackwater for some folks is different than being paid by the U.S. military.
Should I shut up if I do vote?
It’s a strangely aggressive response based on zero knowledge of me personally.
It’s a strangely aggressive response based on zero knowledge of me personally.
November 22, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Should I shut up if I do vote?
It’s a strangely aggressive response based on zero knowledge of me personally.
It’s a strangely aggressive response based on zero knowledge of me personally.
The establishment powers in the Democratic Party (including an endorsement by Schumer), pushed for Sarah Gideon in 2020. Gideon was a flawed and uninspiring candidate, yet Collins still had her smallest margin of victory since her first election.
November 21, 2025 at 10:51 PM
The establishment powers in the Democratic Party (including an endorsement by Schumer), pushed for Sarah Gideon in 2020. Gideon was a flawed and uninspiring candidate, yet Collins still had her smallest margin of victory since her first election.
Golden earned his pension (needed five years and served six).
He may come back as a Republican, but I don’t think he’s liked anymore on the right than he is on the left.
He may come back as a Republican, but I don’t think he’s liked anymore on the right than he is on the left.
November 21, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Golden earned his pension (needed five years and served six).
He may come back as a Republican, but I don’t think he’s liked anymore on the right than he is on the left.
He may come back as a Republican, but I don’t think he’s liked anymore on the right than he is on the left.
The thing is, looking at these polls, people don't hate him enough.
He's threatening to kill his political opponents, which just the latest truly horrible thing he has said or done.
He's threatening to kill his political opponents, which just the latest truly horrible thing he has said or done.
November 21, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The thing is, looking at these polls, people don't hate him enough.
He's threatening to kill his political opponents, which just the latest truly horrible thing he has said or done.
He's threatening to kill his political opponents, which just the latest truly horrible thing he has said or done.
It's a valid question.
To start, voting in the same people is not the way to proceed. That includes the same old politicians who jump from the House, to the senate, to governor's mansions in a rotation of self-enrichment.
And get rid of the actual old politicians
To start, voting in the same people is not the way to proceed. That includes the same old politicians who jump from the House, to the senate, to governor's mansions in a rotation of self-enrichment.
And get rid of the actual old politicians
November 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM
It's a valid question.
To start, voting in the same people is not the way to proceed. That includes the same old politicians who jump from the House, to the senate, to governor's mansions in a rotation of self-enrichment.
And get rid of the actual old politicians
To start, voting in the same people is not the way to proceed. That includes the same old politicians who jump from the House, to the senate, to governor's mansions in a rotation of self-enrichment.
And get rid of the actual old politicians
Is Schumer backing Mills?
Is Schumer one of the most powerful members of the the Democratic Party?
Has Schumer been ineffective?
Are you perhaps offended because you back Mills and feel like you have to defend Schumer?
And if you would like to call me MAGA-like, just do that.
Is Schumer one of the most powerful members of the the Democratic Party?
Has Schumer been ineffective?
Are you perhaps offended because you back Mills and feel like you have to defend Schumer?
And if you would like to call me MAGA-like, just do that.
November 21, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Is Schumer backing Mills?
Is Schumer one of the most powerful members of the the Democratic Party?
Has Schumer been ineffective?
Are you perhaps offended because you back Mills and feel like you have to defend Schumer?
And if you would like to call me MAGA-like, just do that.
Is Schumer one of the most powerful members of the the Democratic Party?
Has Schumer been ineffective?
Are you perhaps offended because you back Mills and feel like you have to defend Schumer?
And if you would like to call me MAGA-like, just do that.
Can you tell us the length of his mercenary service and job assignments?
I’m also interested in your position on Obama paying Blackwater hundreds of millions of dollars?
If Platner, a lowly employee is so terrible, Obama must be much worse in your eyes.
I’m also interested in your position on Obama paying Blackwater hundreds of millions of dollars?
If Platner, a lowly employee is so terrible, Obama must be much worse in your eyes.
November 21, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Can you tell us the length of his mercenary service and job assignments?
I’m also interested in your position on Obama paying Blackwater hundreds of millions of dollars?
If Platner, a lowly employee is so terrible, Obama must be much worse in your eyes.
I’m also interested in your position on Obama paying Blackwater hundreds of millions of dollars?
If Platner, a lowly employee is so terrible, Obama must be much worse in your eyes.
You’re focusing on the organizational labels while sidestepping the point I made. Schumer’s influence in the national party isn’t limited by whether the logo on the door says DNC or DCCC (or DSCC for that matter).
November 20, 2025 at 1:26 AM
You’re focusing on the organizational labels while sidestepping the point I made. Schumer’s influence in the national party isn’t limited by whether the logo on the door says DNC or DCCC (or DSCC for that matter).
That’s fine. You don’t like my opinion.
I’m not sure why you feel the need to comment if you are so openly dismissive of what I think, though.
Establishment Dems have been ineffectual and have held power too long. Septuagenarian and octogenarians shouldn’t be in charge imo.
I’m not sure why you feel the need to comment if you are so openly dismissive of what I think, though.
Establishment Dems have been ineffectual and have held power too long. Septuagenarian and octogenarians shouldn’t be in charge imo.
November 20, 2025 at 12:57 AM
That’s fine. You don’t like my opinion.
I’m not sure why you feel the need to comment if you are so openly dismissive of what I think, though.
Establishment Dems have been ineffectual and have held power too long. Septuagenarian and octogenarians shouldn’t be in charge imo.
I’m not sure why you feel the need to comment if you are so openly dismissive of what I think, though.
Establishment Dems have been ineffectual and have held power too long. Septuagenarian and octogenarians shouldn’t be in charge imo.
I’m pretty sure if a random teacher (who also has a lot of hats and big jobs, btw) can have multiple conversations about state reps, governors, senators, etc. from around the country, then so can Schumer.
I’m also sure Schumer’s conversations are more consequential than mine are.
I’m also sure Schumer’s conversations are more consequential than mine are.
November 20, 2025 at 12:53 AM
I’m pretty sure if a random teacher (who also has a lot of hats and big jobs, btw) can have multiple conversations about state reps, governors, senators, etc. from around the country, then so can Schumer.
I’m also sure Schumer’s conversations are more consequential than mine are.
I’m also sure Schumer’s conversations are more consequential than mine are.
Schumer openly recruited and backs Mills. He's involved.
Schumer is one of the highest ranking members of the DNC and to think he has no opinion and has had no conversations on CD2 is naive.
It is also naive to think the power of the DNC does not influence candidates, and as result, the vote.
Schumer is one of the highest ranking members of the DNC and to think he has no opinion and has had no conversations on CD2 is naive.
It is also naive to think the power of the DNC does not influence candidates, and as result, the vote.
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Schumer openly recruited and backs Mills. He's involved.
Schumer is one of the highest ranking members of the DNC and to think he has no opinion and has had no conversations on CD2 is naive.
It is also naive to think the power of the DNC does not influence candidates, and as result, the vote.
Schumer is one of the highest ranking members of the DNC and to think he has no opinion and has had no conversations on CD2 is naive.
It is also naive to think the power of the DNC does not influence candidates, and as result, the vote.
I specifically said he needs to stay out of Maine Politics. I made no claim that he was not allowed or that he would not endorse a candidate or candidates.
1. Schumer is wildly unpopular
2. Schumer is ineffective
3. Establishment Dems are too old and out of touch
1. Schumer is wildly unpopular
2. Schumer is ineffective
3. Establishment Dems are too old and out of touch
November 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I specifically said he needs to stay out of Maine Politics. I made no claim that he was not allowed or that he would not endorse a candidate or candidates.
1. Schumer is wildly unpopular
2. Schumer is ineffective
3. Establishment Dems are too old and out of touch
1. Schumer is wildly unpopular
2. Schumer is ineffective
3. Establishment Dems are too old and out of touch
Chuck Schumer is a leading voice in the DNC. He hasn't publicly endorsed a CD2 candidate but the DNC is actively looking for a candidate to replace Golden and that candidate is not Dunlap.
I think it's highly naive to think Schumer has had no talks about CD2 and no opinion on who runs.
I think it's highly naive to think Schumer has had no talks about CD2 and no opinion on who runs.
November 19, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Chuck Schumer is a leading voice in the DNC. He hasn't publicly endorsed a CD2 candidate but the DNC is actively looking for a candidate to replace Golden and that candidate is not Dunlap.
I think it's highly naive to think Schumer has had no talks about CD2 and no opinion on who runs.
I think it's highly naive to think Schumer has had no talks about CD2 and no opinion on who runs.
Schumer backs Mills and he is behind the push to get Matt Dunlap out of the CD2 race.
Schumer needs to retire, and he certainly needs to stay out of #mepolitics
Schumer needs to retire, and he certainly needs to stay out of #mepolitics
November 19, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Schumer backs Mills and he is behind the push to get Matt Dunlap out of the CD2 race.
Schumer needs to retire, and he certainly needs to stay out of #mepolitics
Schumer needs to retire, and he certainly needs to stay out of #mepolitics
I don’t think there is data to support that assertion.
I think the poll refers to outcomes impacted by what Collins does in regard to the ACA health care credit and not a specific candidate since it (I believe) specifically references a generic Democratic candidate.
I think the poll refers to outcomes impacted by what Collins does in regard to the ACA health care credit and not a specific candidate since it (I believe) specifically references a generic Democratic candidate.
November 18, 2025 at 1:47 AM
I don’t think there is data to support that assertion.
I think the poll refers to outcomes impacted by what Collins does in regard to the ACA health care credit and not a specific candidate since it (I believe) specifically references a generic Democratic candidate.
I think the poll refers to outcomes impacted by what Collins does in regard to the ACA health care credit and not a specific candidate since it (I believe) specifically references a generic Democratic candidate.
I was too young to vote in his first term but old enough in his second not to vote for him.
Clinton has always been horrible when it comes to women and being a Dem, or doing a good job with the economy doesn’t change that.
Clinton has always been horrible when it comes to women and being a Dem, or doing a good job with the economy doesn’t change that.
November 16, 2025 at 11:41 PM
I was too young to vote in his first term but old enough in his second not to vote for him.
Clinton has always been horrible when it comes to women and being a Dem, or doing a good job with the economy doesn’t change that.
Clinton has always been horrible when it comes to women and being a Dem, or doing a good job with the economy doesn’t change that.
I vaguely remember Costello, but I guess what I meant was King was the only viable candidate.
I checked ballotoedia to see what Costello spent in 2024 and it was just $111,000 compared to almost $6 million for King.
Costello isn’t generating much money this round, either.
I checked ballotoedia to see what Costello spent in 2024 and it was just $111,000 compared to almost $6 million for King.
Costello isn’t generating much money this round, either.
November 16, 2025 at 10:01 PM
I vaguely remember Costello, but I guess what I meant was King was the only viable candidate.
I checked ballotoedia to see what Costello spent in 2024 and it was just $111,000 compared to almost $6 million for King.
Costello isn’t generating much money this round, either.
I checked ballotoedia to see what Costello spent in 2024 and it was just $111,000 compared to almost $6 million for King.
Costello isn’t generating much money this round, either.
I hear that and agree. King was the de-facto Dem candidate while the party officially ran an uninspiring and forgettable (IMO) Costello.
November 16, 2025 at 9:44 PM
I hear that and agree. King was the de-facto Dem candidate while the party officially ran an uninspiring and forgettable (IMO) Costello.
Speaking for myself, the last Biden/ Trump campaign elevated age issues for me, though I have believed for a long time that there needed to be younger people in office (ex. Feinstein, McConnell, Fay Granger, etc.).
Angus King is too old, and has been, but he was the only one in the race.
Angus King is too old, and has been, but he was the only one in the race.
November 16, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Speaking for myself, the last Biden/ Trump campaign elevated age issues for me, though I have believed for a long time that there needed to be younger people in office (ex. Feinstein, McConnell, Fay Granger, etc.).
Angus King is too old, and has been, but he was the only one in the race.
Angus King is too old, and has been, but he was the only one in the race.
I haven’t blocked Huck, yet, but it does seem like Huck has been making the rounds.
In general, he doesn’t need anyone to interact with him since he tends to creatively provide both sides of an argument.
In general, he doesn’t need anyone to interact with him since he tends to creatively provide both sides of an argument.
November 16, 2025 at 5:37 PM
I haven’t blocked Huck, yet, but it does seem like Huck has been making the rounds.
In general, he doesn’t need anyone to interact with him since he tends to creatively provide both sides of an argument.
In general, he doesn’t need anyone to interact with him since he tends to creatively provide both sides of an argument.
The age issue is actually worse for Mills. If she wins, she would take office at the age of 79 and end her first term at 85.
November 16, 2025 at 5:20 PM
The age issue is actually worse for Mills. If she wins, she would take office at the age of 79 and end her first term at 85.
This is why I think there’s no truth to the accusation, especially with the anonymous source claiming multiple people were present at the bar and that Platner talked multiple times about his tattoo. It should be easy to then corroborate.
November 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM
This is why I think there’s no truth to the accusation, especially with the anonymous source claiming multiple people were present at the bar and that Platner talked multiple times about his tattoo. It should be easy to then corroborate.