Senator Susan Collins has turned herself into a national punchline. Stephen Colbert described Collins as the “senator who has most successfully talked herself into believing that she believes in something.”
After lots of worry, concern and pearl clutching, Collins decided to acquit Trump on both articles of impeachment brought against him. In her speech from the Senate floor Collins said, “I do not believe the House has met its burden that the President’s conduct, however flawed, warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office. This decision is not about whether you like or dislike this president or agree or oppose his policies or approve or disapprove of his conduct in other circumstances. Rather, it is about whether the charges meet the very high constitutional standard of treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors.”
After making this speech Collins told Norah O’Donnell of CBS, “I believe the President has learned from this case.”
Of course, Trump immediately proved that he had not learned. When asked about Collins’ comments, Trump said, “The call was perfect,” when describing the phone call in which he tried to bribe and extort Ukraine’s President Zelensky.
Susan Collins has been in the senate for two decades so it’s unlikely she is naive. It appears to some that she uses her position as a “Moderate Republican” in an attempt to make Trump and his policies look more mainstream to Americans. Recall all the concern, worry and pearl clutching she did during the Kavanaugh hearings before ultimately voting for him.
However, all Collins’ fake concern and worry may be finally catching up with her.
Democrat Sara Gideon outraised Collins in the first quarter of 2020 according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. Less than 1% of the funds Collins raised came from the people of Maine.
In contrast, 96% of Gideon’s campaign donations came from small-dollar donors who contributed $100 or less.
Sara Gideon made healthcare and affordable drug prices her primary campaign issue. She is pro-choice and a women’s champion. She helped pass legislation to keep women’s reproductive healthcare both affordable and accessible.
Maine’s Senate race hangs on whether voters believe Susan Collins is a true moderate or if they believe Collins is just another Trump Toady.
