“Platner’s candidacy is a revealing lens on American politics as 2025 turns to 2026. He shouldn’t be seen just in the context of Trump’s return or the past decade, but through the last 25 years of national frustration — from 9/11 and the failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Great Recession and the ongoing social, cultural, political, and psychological decline felt across the country. His story carries emotional scars, contradictions, and traits that could sink a campaign, yet they also fuel his appeal. The very weaknesses that could doom him are the roots of his potential success. To understand Platner is to understand how American politics arrived here and where it may be headed, whether he returns to Sullivan or wins a seat in the Senate.”