(The Epoch Times)—At a rally several days before Maine’s primary, Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner told supporters he wasn’t the man he used to be.
“If you believe in transformational politics, you have to believe in the ability of people to transform,” he told a large crowd on June 5 in Bar Harbor, a coastal resort town just 20 miles from his campaign headquarters in Ellsworth.
Minutes later, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a vice-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, stood by the leading contender for the nomination at the event—Platner’s first since The New York Times reported on allegations of abuse and “unsettling” behavior from multiple women who dated him. The candidate has disputed some accusations leveled in the article, which was published weeks after absentee voting in the June 9 primary began.
Platner “was ashamed of some of the things he said and did” after returning from his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Khanna said of the man who hopes to oust longstanding Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
“And then he, unlike others, took accountability for it,” he added.
Platner’s past sexting of women, Kik account, and chest tattoo of a Nazi symbol had previously drawn scrutiny. The new report includes a claim that Platner knew far more about that symbol than he has acknowledged.
In a June 4 interview after the piece was published, Platner denied any accusations of physical abuse and knowledge of what his tattoo stood for while acknowledging that he was in “a pretty dark period” following his time in the military, during which he went to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He also said he has not considered leaving the race.
Platner took a similar line in Maine, speaking of a “personal journey through PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] and darkness, of recovery and accountability and growth,” while adding that the journey was being politically weaponized and that some accusations were false.
In his remarks, Khanna said that “no one on our side should attack the women who came forward.”
“You know why? Because Democrats believe in respecting the equality and the dignity of women, and we always will,” he added, saying that both he and Platner reject misogyny.
Platner, a boutique oyster farmer who briefly worked at a popular Washington bar near the U.S. Capitol, remains the leader in prediction markets on the primary. He has also led his top rivals, Maine Gov. Janet Mills and David Costello, in polling on the race.
Mills, who was previously endorsed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), suspended campaigning in late April as Platner continued to gain momentum.
Earlier in June, the governor reminded Maine voters that her name remains on the primary ballot.
Some recent polling suggests a potential contest between Platner and Collins is becoming more competitive.
If Platner wins the nomination, Democrats would have until mid-July to replace him on the ballot—but he would have to drop out.
Some speculation for a replacement has focused on Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), who is not seeking reelection.
On June 4, he told The Epoch Times and another reporter that he does not want to run for Senate.
Speaking to the Platner fans in Bar Harbor, Khanna said he expected the candidate would “see this campaign through.”
Democrats, he said, are united by “a single goal—we will defeat Susan Collins.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
