This is the second in our series of episodes covering the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Convention. Col. Rankin, with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and Ed Abbey, a United States Army veteran, joined us to talk about his service. Jermal Washington, a United States Army Veteran, and Kevin Yates, a United States Marine Corps Veteran, and a volunteer for Wreaths Across America.

We had the honor of covering the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Convention. We sat down with a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran, Sylvania Wilkerson. We talked with the National Junior Vice Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Jo Keller, about her service in the United States Air Force. We talked with US Army Veteran JT and his wife, Victoria, at the convention. Larry Parker, a United States Army veteran, talks about his service to this nation.

The discussion centers on the Democratic primary for Maine's Senate seat, comparing Troy Jackson and Graham Platner. Matt argues that the race is primarily a referendum on Susan Collins, with voter sentiment driving the outcome more than the candidates' qualities. Platner's charisma and ability to connect with voters are contrasted with Jackson's conventional political style, which is seen as less compelling. Despite Jackson's strengths in organization, particularly through labor unions, his lack of charisma is expected to negatively impact his campaign. Speaker 1 suggests that Jackson may only win if the national political environment significantly favors Democrats.

Steve Robinson from the Maine Wire checks in with Matt to discuss his take on what’s happening around Maine.

The Grace Curley Show airs daily from Noon to 2 PM on WGAN, and every Monday, Grace speaks with us about the latest developments in national politics

Troy Jackson, Maine's new Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, discussed his campaign's focus on issues like Medicare for all and fair taxation, emphasizing sentiment and connection over policy details. He noted his lack of communication with predecessor Graham Platner since a scandal involving Platner. A potential challenge to Jackson's nomination was raised, citing Maine election laws, but it's unlikely to succeed. The discussion highlighted the courts' reluctance to disrupt elections, referencing a past case involving Donald Trump. The conversation underscored the importance of voter sentiment and the challenges Jackson faces in balancing insider and outsider perceptions.

Troy Jackson, the official nominee, emphasized the need to defeat Susan Collins in November. The speaker contrasted Jackson's delivery with Graham Platner's, noting that charisma and personality can influence up to 10 points in an election, especially among independent voters. Jackson's 22-minute speech was criticized for its lack of conviction compared to Platner's well-rehearsed, passionate speeches. Matt highlighted Jackson's long career in politics, contrasting him with Platner's outsider status, which was seen as a strategic advantage. The discussion underscored the importance of compelling candidates in a competitive election.

Matt announces his absence for three days due to a conference in Seattle, with Josh Filler filling in as host. They discuss the logistics of their travel, including a potential connection in Chicago and the route over the Arctic Circle. The conversation shifts to local politics, with a caller criticizing a governor's call for a moratorium on closing obstetric departments in rural hospitals. Gregg had extensive experience in obstetrics and emergency medicine, argues that the governor lacks understanding of healthcare costs and logistics. They also discuss the financial strain on hospitals and the declining demand for obstetric services.

Rabbi Gary Berenson discusses Judaism in general, and we take a deep dice into antisemitism- the topic that keeps creeping back into our lives.

Host Shawn Moody welcomes Phineas Sprague into the studio. Sprague, from Portland Yacht Services, is a local businessman whose family been on the waterfront for 100 years,