As the election nears and Americans grapple with their upcoming vote, it’s important to remember that a Trump presidency is not some hard to imagine dream. In fact, to see how Trump might rule, one must look no further than Maine. Maine Governor Paul LePage was first sworn in as Maine’s governor in 2011, and then again in 2015. During his time as Governor, he has told the NAACP to “kiss his butt“, used homophobic slurs towards reporters and made numerous allegations that people of color are responsible for all drugs coming into Maine. To the surprise of no one, he’s a big fan of Trump. Just this week, in fact, he told Trump he shouldn’t be afraid to use “some authoritarian power”, while also claiming there was nothing really that bad in those now infamous tapes. And that’s not all. In LePage’s short history, he’s proved time and time again that he is not only unfit to be Governor, but unfit to be a respectful human being. Remind you of anyone?
LePage’s first term began after he slipped in during the Tea Party craze that hit the nation after President Obama’s election. For those fortunate enough to forget, the Tea Party was the early 2010s Alt-Right. They believe, among other things, in zero restrictions on gun ownership, tons of restriction on immigration and in intolerance masked as religious freedom. Their platform resembles the platform of Trump, and support for their actions was garnered in much the same way; through hate. During his time as Governor, LePage as subscribed religiously to the Tea Party , and now the Trump, doctrine. From blocking measures that would protect trans students to pushing for zero gun control reform, LePage’s legislative history is a mirror all of American can look to when trying to imagine a Trump presidency. They even have the radical anti-immigrant statements in common, such as when LePage said asylum seekers were dangerous because they bring “ziki fly” into the country (a disease he made up). LePage even termed himself “Trump before he became popular”, and he isn’t wrong. LePage’s racist, xenophobic, and homophobic history has turned Maine into a national spectacle, one many other states look upon in shame. Imagine if a man with those same beliefs became the leader of the free world. How would other countries view us then?
Many may be wondering, “How the hell did this guy get elected in the first place?”. The answer is simple: not enough people compromised. In both of his races, LePage didn’t win a majority, rather, the Democratic vote was split between two similar candidates. This resulted in an especially bitter race preceding his second term, where independent Elliot Cutler nabbed a mere 8% of the vote, and because of this, democrat Mike Michaud lost. This split vote in Maine led to a man not even the majority of the state liked becoming Governor. Now, Michaud was by no means the perfect candidate. A rather uninspiring public speaker, he had a hard time appealing to many voters, despite having more experience in politics. Now, that has to remind you of someone. What it comes down to is this: Michaud was a good candidate. He would’ve been better for the state, despite not being perfect. In this general election, feel free to look to Maine as an example of what could be if compromise is not achieved. A rather unpopular maniac could be elected over someone with solid experience, and the whole country could be left to deal with their very own LePage.
Want to know more? Check out Samantha Bee’s Video.
