Learning a lesson and coming together. In that order.

It's been an excruciating period lately for Democrats, especially Maine Democrats, and most horribly, for the women forced to share stories publicly about their trauma. But finally, Platner is gone. It doesn't really matter if he accepted responsibility, to me anyway. I was seriously worried he would not leave and now he has.

There are lessons to be learned here. It's up to the Maine Democrats to identify what they are, not because they are responsible, but because it is vital that such mistakes are not repeated with the new nominee. Once that is done, an open process by the local party to pick a replacement can be energizing and healing. I hope it is.

At that point, everyone needs to come together. The emphasis needs to be on beating Susan Collins. Somehow Collins always seems to pull it out, even when polls have shown her losing to a Dem challenger in the past. Without unity, we will fail.

So, Maine Democrats, the party is with you. We trust you to handle this and will support you. I like what I've heard so far about your plans. Notice this Californian is not giving any advice about who you should pick? Yeah, that was intentional.