Platner’s collapse doesn’t mean we should reject outsiders in politics | Bhaskar Sunkara

The exit of Graham Platner from the Maine Senate race, amid controversies including a rape accusation he denies, highlights a debate about the role of political outsiders. While Platner's departure is positive for Democratic prospects, it's being misinterpreted as proof that outsiders are unfit for politics. This misperception overlooks the fact that we need more, not fewer, non-professional politicians to bring fresh perspectives. The real issue is not who enters politics, but how we support and develop their contributions to ensure they can thrive without succumbing to personal attacks.