Maine Democrat told Susan Collins to shut up, doubles down and refuses to apologize
A debate interruption sparks clash
During Thursday night’s final debate, a demonstrator opposing data centers began shouting while Collins was speaking. As moderators worked to remove the protester, Collins said the person was “obviously one of Troy’s supporters.” Jackson, a former president of the state Senate, responded, “Oh, shut up. I don’t even know that kid.” On CNN’s “State of the Union,” which aired Sunday, he said Collins had accused him of arranging the interruption, but he did not know who the protester was.
Protester denies coordination
The protester was identified as Henry Elgie, a 19-year-old student at Bowdoin College in Maine. In an interview with The New York Times, Elgie said he had “zero coordination” with Jackson and did not know the candidate personally.
Collins and Jackson respond
Collins discussed the exchange Friday on Fox News’ “Sean Hannity.” She said she was “struck by how reflective the response, ‘Oh, shut up,’ was,” and called its quick delivery telling. Jackson told CNN he had exchanged handshakes with Collins after all their debates. Asked about Republican claims concerning his past demeanor toward female colleagues, he said opponents were “attacking me and my family, making untrue claims.”
Past conduct also questioned
When questioned about those incidents during the race, Jackson said, “I wear my heart on my sleeve,” and took accountability and apologized for past incidents. He dismissed the focus on his legislative conduct as part of a broader political effort.
Key points
- Jackson says he stands by telling Collins to “shut up” during their final debate.
- Collins had suggested the protester was a Jackson supporter; Jackson said he did not know the person.
- Henry Elgie said he had no coordination with Jackson and did not know him personally.
- Jackson has apologized for past incidents involving female colleagues, while criticizing the attention to them.