Featured Stories
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee: Let Them Eat Road Salt - Collins Slammed for Marie Antoinette Moments in Maine Senate Debate That Could Have "Real Consequences at the Ballot Box"
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
Oct 7, 2026
LET THEM EAT ROAD SALT - Collins Slammed for Marie Antoinette Moments in Maine Senate Debate That Could Have "Real Consequences at the Ballot Box"
MS NOW's Molly Jong-Fast: "32 years ago, Senator Collins didn't have health insurance for a year and I guess it left an impression on her"
Bangor Daily News: "On the eighth anniversary of her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins refused to say she regretted it in her first debate with
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
Oct 7, 2026
LET THEM EAT ROAD SALT - Collins Slammed for Marie Antoinette Moments in Maine Senate Debate That Could Have "Real Consequences at the Ballot Box"
MS NOW's Molly Jong-Fast: "32 years ago, Senator Collins didn't have health insurance for a year and I guess it left an impression on her"
Bangor Daily News: "On the eighth anniversary of her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins refused to say she regretted it in her first debate withDemocrat Troy Jackson"
-
In her first debate with Maine Democratic Senate Nominee Troy Jackson, Susan Collins was forced to defend her toxic, price-spiking record that includes having voted with Trump 96% of the time, her "key" and "pivotal" vote to advance the Republican plan that gutted Medicaid and ripped health insurance away from Mainers, her decisive vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and her role as a "willing participant" and the "most important patron" at the center of a "vile, outright bribery pay-for-play" corruption scheme.
"Vulnerable" Collins was roundly criticized and "roasted" for her "entitled" attitude and "devastating" performance, which included a "rough moment" when she tried to relate to Mainers struggling from Collins-enabled health care cuts by stating that she "didn't have health insurance for one whole year in 1994."
Later, in an exchange that "could have real consequences at the ballot box," Collins also "tried to brag about having road salt removed from Trump's tariff list," but was rebuffed by Jackson, who argued that Trump's tariffs have raised the cost of everything and that Mainers "can't eat road salt" - "the kind of line that could genuinely sway an election."
See for yourself:
Daily Beast: Must-Win Republican Senator Roasted for Bonkers Debate Answer
* Republican Sen. Susan Collins has been roasted after making an unintentionally entitled remark during a debate.
* The 73-year-old, a vulnerable five-term senator from Maine, took part in the first of four Senate debates with her Democratic challenger Troy Jackson, 58, on Tuesday night.
* In one moment, the debate saw Jackson press Collins on dwindling rural healthcare access in the state, and her role in casting a key vote to allow Donald Trump's divisive "Big Beautiful Bill" to move forward in the Senate, leading to Medicaid cuts and increased healthcare costs.
* Jackson then pointed out that Collins "has been a government employee her entire life, she's always had healthcare, she's always had a steady income coming in. That's not the way it is for most of us; healthcare is a real challenge and she's made it worse by advancing the 'Big Beautiful Bill.'"
* Calling out the high costs of accessing healthcare, Jackson added, "That is what Senator Collins wants to keep going: big health insurance, Big Pharma. They can make all the money, it's about greed."
* After his comments, Collins waved her finger to correct Jackson, saying, "First of all, I have not been insured my whole life."
* She then stated, "I spent a year, when I was running for governor in 1994, where I could not afford health insurance. So Troy, you're just out-and-out wrong on that."
* Jackson pulled a quizzical expression on his face after Collins' remarks.
* Collins ultimately lost her 1994 bid for governor of Maine, coming in third. She became a senator in 1996.
* Collins, whose base salary is $174,000 per year, was swiftly roasted online for her out-of-touch comment.
* MediasTouch called it "a rough moment for Collins."
* Maine journalist Alex Seitz-Wald said on X that mentioning her brief lack of insurance 32 years ago was, "Maybe not the most relatable way to say you understand struggling to afford health insurance."
* "Oh wow poor Susan Collins didn't have health insurance for ONE year.....in 1994," the political and cultural commentary account Wu Tang is for the Children posted on X.
* Another social media user posted, "Please spare a thought for Susan Collins who didn't have health insurance for one whole year in 1994."
Meidas Touch News: Susan Collins Brags About Ending Tariffs on Road Salt, Troy Jackson Responds: 'We Can't Eat Road Salt'
* There was a great moment during the Maine Senate candidate debate on Tuesday evening between incumbent five-term Republican Susan Collins and Democratic candidate Troy Jackson. Susan Collins tried to brag about having road salt removed from Trump's tariff list, and Jackson asked what else she had to done to help the state's economy, because Mainers "can't eat road salt."
* "Troy mocked it, but I was successful in getting concrete, pulp, and road salt removed from the tariff list," Collins said.
* "I didn't mock the fact that she got road salt back," Jackson responded. "I mocked the fact that what about everything else? I mean, we, we can't eat road salt. And, and the thing about it is, is that everything that she's doing with Iran war and stuff like that, there's gonna be so many less people that'll be able to afford to drive, that I'm not even sure the road salt's gonna be worth anything either."
MS NOW: Jackson presses Collins on Kavanaugh: 'What will it take for you to admit you were wrong?'
* Jackson repeatedly hit Collins on her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court justice [...] "What will it take for you to admit that you were wrong?" Jackson asked when given a chance by moderators to ask any question of the senator.
* Asked whether she believed Kavanaugh "lied" to her about his abortion rights stance when she was considering his confirmation, she did not go that far.
* "I do not feel that he lied [...]" she said.
* From the opening statement, Jackson has centered his critique of Collins on the Republican's vote in 2018 to confirm Kavanaugh and the ensuing impact of the court's conservative bloc ending decades of federal abortion protections almost four years later.
* "Tonight is about who you stand with when it matters. Eight years ago today, Maine women went to D.C. and begged Sen. Collins not to confirm Brett Kavanaugh," Jackson said. "But she did it anyways. Even though they begged her. He helped overturn Roe vs. Wade, and today she says she has no regrets, and I would wonder for everyone, including myself, would you trust her to pick the next Supreme Court justice?"
* The 2026 contest for Collins represents her first election since the high court's 2022 decision.
MS NOW: Jackson targets Collins over Trump ties and 'big, beautiful bill'
* Jackson sought to tie Collins to Trump tonight, arguing that her support for advancing his signature tax and spending bill helped fuel affordability pressures in Maine.
* Jackson accused Collins of voting with Trump "96% of the time" and criticized her procedural vote to advance H.R. 1, more widely known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Collins ultimately voted against final passage.
* "Senator Collins is like an arsonist who helped set the fire, and then she wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put it out," Jackson said.
* Collins had voted with Republicans to advance the legislation to the Senate floor, allowing debate on the measure to begin. The bill later passed the Senate 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie.
* Jackson also criticized Collins over Trump's tariffs and the Iran war, arguing that both have contributed to higher costs in Maine.
Raw Story: 'Devastating': Glee erupts as Susan Collins' 'road salt' boast blows up in her face
* Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) bragged about a road salt win at a Maine Senate debate, and her challenger's comeback had observers cheering.
* On Tuesday, Collins faced Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in a debate weeks before the midterms. Asked what she would do about President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, Collins pointed to a specific victory.
* "I was successful at getting road salt removed from the tariff list," Collins said. Jackson responded by pouncing on the answer.
* "What about everything else? We can't eat road salt," Jackson said. "With everything she's doing with the Iran war, there will be so many less people that can afford to drive that I'm not even sure the road salt will be worth anything."
* The exchange spread quickly after clips of the moment were posted, with many users zeroing in on Jackson's five-word retort.
* "'We can't eat road salt' is devastating," wrote Democratic political strategist Chris Sosa in a post on X.
* "I must report: 'You can't eat road salt' is a bar," laughed Democratic Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, referring to the term for a line of rap.
* Others compared Collins' answer to the infamous line attributed to Marie Antoinette.
* "Susan Collins' amazing let-them-eat-road-salt moment," declared journalist and political commentator David Sirota.
* "'Let them eat road salt.'--Susan Collins, basically," remarked disinformation expert and Kash Patel foe Jim Stewartson.
* Social media personality and liberal political commentator Brian Krassenstein marveled how "Troy Jackson just destroyed Susan Collins in 4 seconds."
* Some suggested the moment could have real consequences at the ballot box.
* "'We can't eat road salt' is the kind of line that could genuinely sway an election," warned policy consultant and journalist Adam Cochran. "Team Jackson has to be very happy with that soundbite."
* Author and activist Hemant Mehta framed the race around the exchange.
* "If cheaper road salt is what you want, vote Collins," he wrote. "If you want better health care and a real check on Trump and the Supreme Court, vote Jackson."
See also: DSCC: ICYMI: "It's Maine's turn to be concerned about Susan Collins" [Portland Press Herald Editorial Board] (https://www.dscc.org/article/icymi-its-maines-turn-to-be-concerned-about-susan-collins-portland-press-herald-editorial-board/); DSCC: WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Voters "Reconsider" Support for Susan Collins Following Involvement in "Vile, Outright Bribery Pay-for-Play" Corruption Scheme (https://www.dscc.org/article/what-theyre-saying-voters-reconsider-support-for-susan-collins-following-involvement-in-vile-outright-bribery-pay-for-play-corruption-scheme/); DSCC: BREAKING: "The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins -- Until Trump Got in the Way" [ProPublica] (https://www.dscc.org/article/breaking-the-fbi-anti-corruption-squad-was-circling-susan-collins-until-trump-got-in-the-way-propublica/); DSCC: ICYMI: Democratic Voters Who Used to Back Susan Collins Aren't So Sure Anymore [Washington Post] (https://www.dscc.org/article/icymi-democratic-voters-who-used-to-back-susan-collins-arent-so-sure-anymore-washington-post/); DSCC: QUICK CLIP: Conservative Radio Host Says Susan Collins Only Plans to Vote Against Blanche Nomination Because "He's Already Got The Votes" (https://www.dscc.org/article/quick-clip-conservative-radio-host-says-susan-collins-only-plans-to-vote-against-blanche-nomination-because-hes-already-got-the-votes/); DSCC: ICYMI: New Poll Suggests Tougher Environment for Susan Collins than 2020 [Bangor Daily News] (https://www.dscc.org/article/icymi-new-poll-suggests-tougher-environment-for-susan-collins-than-2020-bangor-daily-news/)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.dscc.org/article/let-them-eat-road-salt-collins-slammed-for-marie-antoinette-moments-in-maine-senate-debate-that-could-have-real-consequences-at-the-ballot-box/
DNC: Trump Returns to Texas for Third Time in a Month, Dragging Republicans Down With Him
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
October 7, 2026
Trump Returns to Texas for Third Time in a Month, Dragging Republicans Down With Him
Today, Donald Trump will travel to Texas -- for the third time in a month -- to tout the failed Republican agenda that has made life more expensive for working families. Republicans' reckless tariffs and deadly and costly war with Iran have hiked prices on everything from gas to groceries, crushing everyday Americans. Now, Trump and JD Vance are desperately trying to rally their fractured base as
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
October 7, 2026
Trump Returns to Texas for Third Time in a Month, Dragging Republicans Down With Him
Today, Donald Trump will travel to Texas -- for the third time in a month -- to tout the failed Republican agenda that has made life more expensive for working families. Republicans' reckless tariffs and deadly and costly war with Iran have hiked prices on everything from gas to groceries, crushing everyday Americans. Now, Trump and JD Vance are desperately trying to rally their fractured base asthe midterm elections approach and Republicans face defeat.
As Trump boasts about his "massive crowds" and claims that his midterm travel is helping Republican candidates' "numbers go up," Trump's endorsed candidates want him to stay as far away as possible. Last week, reporting revealed that Ken Paxton lamented Trump's failed midterm convention in Dallas, saying, "When we did that convention, it dropped our numbers. Everybody's numbers dropped."
In response to today's visit to Texas, DNC Deputy Communications Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"Donald Trump and JD Vance launched reckless tariffs and waged a deadly and costly war with Iran that drove prices through the roof and hollowed out the job market, and now working families are cutting back or going further into debt just to make ends meet. Trump and Vance are begging for 'another chance' -- but their desperate pleas are too little, too late. Voters are fed up with their price-hiking agenda, and even Republicans in red states like Ken Paxton know that Trump is a sinking ship."
REMINDER: The average Texas household has had to spend an additional $3,000 for everyday essentials under Trump and Vance, including $310 for groceries and $360 on housing costs. The average price for a gallon of gas in Texas is $3.89 and the average price for a gallon of diesel is $5.72. The average Texas family has shelled out an additional $803 on gas alone since Republicans started their war with Iran. This is on top of higher healthcare costs in a state that is already leading the nation in the uninsured rate and the number of rural hospital closures.
* * *
Original text here: https://democrats.org/trump-returns-to-texas-for-third-time-in-a-month-dragging-republicans-down-with-him/
DNC: Trump Admits He Wants to Privatize Social Security, Despite Promising to Keep It "100% Safe"
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
October 7, 2026
Trump Admits He Wants to Privatize Social Security, Despite Promising to Keep it "100% Safe"
Today, Donald Trump admitted that he "wanted to ride with Social Security being fully invested in the stock market." Trump repeatedly promised on the campaign trail that Social Security is "100% safe," yet he and Republicans continue to threaten American seniors' hard-earned benefits while causing costs on groceries, gas, and healthcare to skyrocket. Republicans have pushed personal accounts
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
October 7, 2026
Trump Admits He Wants to Privatize Social Security, Despite Promising to Keep it "100% Safe"
Today, Donald Trump admitted that he "wanted to ride with Social Security being fully invested in the stock market." Trump repeatedly promised on the campaign trail that Social Security is "100% safe," yet he and Republicans continue to threaten American seniors' hard-earned benefits while causing costs on groceries, gas, and healthcare to skyrocket. Republicans have pushed personal accountsfor decades as a way to privatize Social Security.
REMINDER: Last year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted that the Trump Accounts are a "backdoor for privatizing Social Security." Then earlier this year, Senator Ted Cruz confessed to the "dirty little secret" that "Trump accounts are personal Social Security accounts."
In response, DNC Deputy Communications Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"As working families struggle to make ends meet in Donald Trump's economy, Trump is openly admitting that he wants to privatize Social Security and take away the hard-earned benefits seniors have worked towards their whole lives. Trump promised to protect Social Security, but he continues to turn his back on everyday Americans and go after lifelines that millions of people rely on. Americans won't forget who left them in the dust, and in less than 30 days, they will hold Trump and Republicans accountable."
* * *
Original text here: https://democrats.org/trump-admits-he-wants-to-privatize-social-security-despite-promising-to-keep-it-100-safe/
DNC: New - Gas and Diesel Prices Remain Sky High - and Trump's Own Administration Predicts Prices Will Continue to Rise
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
October 7, 2026
NEW: Gas and Diesel Prices Remain Sky High - and Trump's Own Administration Predicts Prices Will Continue to Rise
Because of Donald Trump and JD Vance's deadly and costly war with Iran, gas and diesel prices are sky-high, with the average price for a gallon of gas today at $4.36 per gallon and diesel at $6.30 per gallon. Despite Trump and his administration officials claiming that prices are coming down, a new forecast from Trump's own Department of Energy shows that gas and diesel
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
October 7, 2026
NEW: Gas and Diesel Prices Remain Sky High - and Trump's Own Administration Predicts Prices Will Continue to Rise
Because of Donald Trump and JD Vance's deadly and costly war with Iran, gas and diesel prices are sky-high, with the average price for a gallon of gas today at $4.36 per gallon and diesel at $6.30 per gallon. Despite Trump and his administration officials claiming that prices are coming down, a new forecast from Trump's own Department of Energy shows that gas and dieselprices will continue to rise.
The short-term energy outlook released yesterday predicts gas prices next year will be 21 cents higher than forecasts from a month ago, and oil $10 per barrel higher than a month ago. It also projects diesel to not drop below $4 a gallon until at least 2028.
Electricity prices are also projected to end up 11% higher this year than last year despite Trump promising to cut energy prices in half in the first year of his presidency.
Trump and his administration officials are doubling down on their claims that "prices are coming way down" and will continue to decrease, despite continuous projections that costs will continue to rise well into next year. Trump's Energy Secretary Chris Wright keeps moving the goalposts, first claiming gas and diesel prices would peak in May and then claiming last week that, "There's a very good chance we've hit peak gasoline and diesel prices."
In response, DNC Deputy Communications Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"Donald Trump and JD Vance's war with Iran has spiked gas and diesel costs to record highs with no sign of any relief for working families and farmers. Under Trump and Vance, everyday Americans can't afford everyday essentials, and are being forced to make impossible decisions about whether to pay for gas, groceries, or healthcare coverage. But instead of fixing the mess they have created, Trump and Vance are doubling down on their failed agenda -- and come November, voters will remember who turned their backs on them."
With less than 30 days to go until the midterm elections, Republican candidates are publicly and privately fretting over high gas and diesel prices. New leaked audio of Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton revealed him saying that the war with Iran is dragging down his campaign: "It's the war, it's gas prices, it's diesel ... That drives the food prices up and everything else ... I don't know what's behind some of the decisions."
* * *
Original text here: https://democrats.org/new-gas-and-diesel-prices-remain-sky-high-and-trumps-own-administration-predicts-prices-will-continue-to-rise/
DGA Statement on Turning Point USA Spending $15 Million to Help Andy Biggs in Arizona
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
* * *
DGA Statement on Turning Point USA Spending $15 Million to Help Andy Biggs in Arizona
Oct 06, 2026
DGA Communications Director Sam Newton released the following statement on Turning Point USA spending $15M to support extremist Andy Biggs:
"Arizona is always one of the closest swing states in the country, and now Kari Lake's extreme allies at Turning Point USA are flooding $15 million in the final weeks to help election-denier Andy Biggs. No matter how much Biggs and his right-wing allies spend to spread
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
* * *
DGA Statement on Turning Point USA Spending $15 Million to Help Andy Biggs in Arizona
Oct 06, 2026
DGA Communications Director Sam Newton released the following statement on Turning Point USA spending $15M to support extremist Andy Biggs:
"Arizona is always one of the closest swing states in the country, and now Kari Lake's extreme allies at Turning Point USA are flooding $15 million in the final weeks to help election-denier Andy Biggs. No matter how much Biggs and his right-wing allies spend to spreadlies, he can't escape his record of repeatedly voting to protect predators, including single-handedly covering for a pedophile cult, while also voting in DC to raise the cost of gas, diesel, groceries, and health care. Gov. Hobbs remains in a strong position because she always puts Arizonans first, and the DGA is keeping our foot on the gas in the final weeks of the campaign to ensure she can keep delivering for all Arizonans and protect free and fair elections."
* * *
Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/dga-statement-on-turning-point-usa-spending-15-million-to-help-andy-biggs-in-arizona/
DGA Statement on Helena Foulkes' Victory in the Rhode Island Gubernatorial Debate
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
* * *
DGA Statement on Helena Foulkes' Victory in the Rhode Island Gubernatorial Debate
Oct 07, 2026
DGA spokesperson Kevin Donohoe released the following statement on the Rhode Island gubernatorial debate:
"Helena Foulkes distinguished herself from both of the Republicans she debated on stage tonight. While Foulkes showed that she has the commitment and focus to take on the challenges facing Rhode Island and bring down costs for its people, Aaron Guckian made the entire debate about his allegiance to Donald
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
* * *
DGA Statement on Helena Foulkes' Victory in the Rhode Island Gubernatorial Debate
Oct 07, 2026
DGA spokesperson Kevin Donohoe released the following statement on the Rhode Island gubernatorial debate:
"Helena Foulkes distinguished herself from both of the Republicans she debated on stage tonight. While Foulkes showed that she has the commitment and focus to take on the challenges facing Rhode Island and bring down costs for its people, Aaron Guckian made the entire debate about his allegiance to DonaldTrump. Make no mistake: Aaron Guckian is running to be Donald Trump's man in Providence.
"Helena was the only candidate on stage who was fearless in standing up to Donald Trump's attacks on Rhode Island's economy - from energy to health care. In stark contrast, Aaron Guckian was eager to kowtow to Donald Trump, while Ken Block failed to articulate any plans for the state, and took the opportunity to attack Rhode Island workers. This debate once again showed that Helena is the only one in this race who will protect Rhode Islanders and fight for them as their next governor."
* * *
Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/dga-statement-on-helena-foulkes-victory-in-the-rhode-island-gubernatorial-debate/
DGA Statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro's Commanding Victory in the Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Debate
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
* * *
DGA Statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro's Commanding Victory in the Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Debate
Oct 07, 2026
DGA spokesperson Izzi Levy released the following statement on the Pennsylvania gubernatorial debate:
"The contrast in tonight's debate could not have been clearer: while Governor Josh Shapiro continues to demonstrate what bipartisan, get-shit-done leadership looks like, '100% MAGA' Stacy Garrity showed voters that she is simply too extreme to get anywhere near the governor's office. Garrity's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
* * *
DGA Statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro's Commanding Victory in the Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Debate
Oct 07, 2026
DGA spokesperson Izzi Levy released the following statement on the Pennsylvania gubernatorial debate:
"The contrast in tonight's debate could not have been clearer: while Governor Josh Shapiro continues to demonstrate what bipartisan, get-shit-done leadership looks like, '100% MAGA' Stacy Garrity showed voters that she is simply too extreme to get anywhere near the governor's office. Garrity'sperformance tonight is a reminder of why Pennsylvania Republicans are worried that she's a drag on the entire GOP ticket as she remains blindly loyal to Trump's reckless and deeply unpopular agenda that is raising costs, killing jobs, kicking Pennsylvanians off their healthcare, and devastating small businesses and farmers. It's clear to anyone who tuned in to this debate that Pennsylvanians are lucky to have Governor Shapiro delivering for them - and he's going to continue to get stuff done for the Commonwealth when he is reelected this November."
* * *
Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/dga-statement-on-gov-josh-shapiros-commanding-victory-in-the-pennsylvania-gubernatorial-debate/
