The Cost of Vibes-Based Politics: Vetting, Electability & the Maine Senate Race | Jessica Mackler

Months before **Graham Platner** ended his campaign, **EMILY's List** publicly warned Democrats that nominating him would make it harder—not easier—to defeat Senator Susan Collins. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner sits down with **Jessica Mackler**, president of **EMILY's List**, to discuss what the organization knew at the time, why it believed Platner was the wrong candidate to take on Collins, and what this series of events reveals about candidate vetting, electability, and the growing influence of "vibes-based" politics. Their conversation explores: - Why EMILY's List took the unusual step of speaking out during a Democratic primary. - The difference between a candidate being "human" and being disqualifying. - How political media and online echo chambers can manufacture momentum around a candidate. - Why women candidates continue to face different standards than men. - What Democrats should learn from the Maine Senate race heading into the 2026 midterms. **The Margin** is a special midterm election series from **The Electorette** and **URL Media**, hosted by Jen Taylor-Skinner. If you found this conversation helpful, like this video and follow **@electorette** for more political midterm coverage, election analysis, and nuanced discussions that go beyond the headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices