People

Susan Collins

Mentioned in 91 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows

Republican U.S. Senator from Maine facing a competitive 2026 reelection campaign against Democratic challengers. Known for occasional bipartisan efforts and moderate positioning, including pressuring ICE to end surge operations in Maine, though podcasts note tension between her reputation and votes supporting Republican legislative priorities including the SAVE Act. Discussed across political podcasts as a potential swing vote on key issues and a key battleground seat in the 2026 midterms.

Episode Appearances

Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition

Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition · Jul 16, 2026

US Bombs Persian Gulf Supertanker, Warsh: Trump Hasn't Interfered

Backs temporary halt to routine ICE traffic stops following fatal shooting in Maine

US-Iran Military Escalation in Persian GulfStrait of Hormuz Shipping DisruptionGlobal Oil Market Supply Chain Risk
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America In The Morning

America In The Morning · Jul 10, 2026

U.S. and Iran Exchange Fire, Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin in Court, U.S. Olympian Pleads Not Guilty

Incumbent Republican senator facing challenge in Maine Senate race after Plattner's withdrawal

U.S.-Iran Military Escalation and Ceasefire StabilityStrait of Hormuz Control and International Trade RoutesCharlie Kirk Assassination Case and Legal Proceedings
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All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Jun 29, 2026

Nate Silver Predicts: Democrats Take the House, Newsom Is Fading & AOC Might Win It All in 2028

Referenced as the incumbent Republican in Maine's Senate race, only 2 points behind Democratic challenger.

2026 U.S. Midterm Election Forecasting2028 Democratic Presidential Primary CandidatesAOC as 2028 Presidential Contender
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Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · Jun 15, 2026

Trump’s Big Iran Announcement Raises More Questions Than Answers (ft. Ian Bremmer)

Maine incumbent facing Plattner challenge; discussed as consistent vote-getter despite national unpopularity

Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations and JCPOA ComparisonStrait of Hormuz Strategic Importance and Energy MarketsTrump Administration Foreign Policy and Unilateral Agreements
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Morning Wire

Morning Wire · Jun 15, 2026

Evening Wire: Trump Warns the G7 & Africa’s Birth Tourism Network Exposed | 6.15.26

Republican incumbent facing Platner in November election despite his controversial background

U.S.-Iran Nuclear NegotiationsG7 Summit Trade DisputesBirth Tourism Fraud Networks
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The John Phillips Show

The John Phillips Show · Jun 12, 2026

Cal Thomas on the California Election Results

Incumbent senator facing challenge from controversial Democratic candidate Platner

California gubernatorial and mayoral election resultsSocialist candidates in major U.S. citiesE-bike regulation and public safety
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The Lawfare Podcast

The Lawfare Podcast · Jun 12, 2026

Rational Security: The “Forbidden Fruit” Edition

Republican senator identified as potentially having concerns about Blanche nomination

DOJ Institutional Decay and WeaponizationTodd Blanche Attorney General NominationSection 702 Surveillance Authority Reauthorization
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The Headlines

The Headlines · Jun 12, 2026

What the SpaceX I.P.O. Means for You, and a Giant Act of Vandalism in D.C.

Republican senator who set record with 10,000 consecutive votes since 1997

SpaceX IPO and stock market debutIndex fund rule changes for newly public companiesAI company integration into SpaceX
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Pod Save America

Pod Save America · Jun 12, 2026

Cage Match Inside the White House

Maine incumbent facing Allred challenge; analyzed as anomalous Republican with unique appeal to older women voters

Iran Nuclear Negotiations and Naval BlockadeInflation and Gas Price VolatilityTrump Administration Epstein Documents Strategy
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The Megyn Kelly Show

The Megyn Kelly Show · Jun 12, 2026

Trump Picks New DNI After Pulte Backlash, Dem Party Platner Panic, UFC WH Preview: AM Update 6/12

Five-term Republican incumbent facing Plattner in Maine Senate race; subject of opposition ads

Director of National Intelligence Appointment ProcessFISA Section 702 Surveillance Authority ExpirationSenate Confirmation vs. Acting Role Appointments
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Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words

Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words · Jun 12, 2026

From Courtroom Protests to Belfast Riots: VDH on Race Politics, Immigration, and California’s Mail-In Machine

Moderate Republican facing challenge from Democrat Gabe Amo in Maine Senate race

Mail-in voting infrastructure and ballot harvesting mechanicsCalifornia electoral fraud and voter roll managementCritical race theory and DEI policy outcomes
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The NPR Politics Podcast

The NPR Politics Podcast · Jun 11, 2026

Primary voters reject the establishment and choose populism

30-year Republican incumbent senator endorsed by Trump despite voting to convict him, facing Platner in general election

Anti-establishment sentiment in primary electionsEconomic populism and affordability messagingCongressional redistricting and gerrymandering
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The Bulwark Podcast

The Bulwark Podcast · Jun 11, 2026

Anne Applebaum: Trump's Firehose of Lies

Senate Appropriations Committee chair who should question $250 million Iran bombing expenditure

Iran Military Strategy and PropagandaFirehose of Falsehoods Propaganda TechniqueUkraine Drone Technology and Innovation
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The Glenn Beck Program

The Glenn Beck Program · Jun 11, 2026

Best of the Program | 6/11/26

Reportedly flipped to support Save America Act, providing 50th vote needed for reconciliation passage

Strait of Hormuz military operations and oil supply securityInflation prevention through covert military actionElection fraud in California and voter ID legislation
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The Chris Plante Show

The Chris Plante Show · Jun 11, 2026

6-11-26 Hour 2 - Democrats are done taking the High Road

Incumbent Maine Senator facing challenge from Platner; won previous election by 9 points

Maine Senate Race - Graham Platner CandidacyLoudoun County School Board Gender Policy ControversyCongressional Oversight of School District Leadership
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Today, Explained

Today, Explained · Jun 10, 2026

Is Platner too “authentic”?

Two-term Republican senator from Maine; Platner's general election opponent; known for split-ticket appeal

Political Authenticity ConstructionSenate Campaign StrategyVoter Tolerance for Scandal
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The Glenn Beck Program

The Glenn Beck Program · Jun 10, 2026

Beheading in Belfast: Is the UK on the Brink of Civil War? | 6/10/26

Republican incumbent facing Platner in general election; supports Save America Act voting reform

Youth Identity Formation and Social Media InfluenceLoneliness Epidemic and Mental Health CrisisImmigration Policy and Public Safety
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The Glenn Beck Program

The Glenn Beck Program · Jun 10, 2026

Best of the Program | 6/10/26

Republican incumbent senator in Maine facing Plattner in general election

Border Security and Immigration PolicyProgressive Education and Civic Knowledge DeclineYouth Identity Formation and Social Media Influence
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Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar · Jun 10, 2026

6/10/26: US Strikes Iran, Inflation Rises As Tech Stocks Fall, Platner Wins In Maine

Republican incumbent who will face Platner in general election; targeted by Platner for wealth accumulation with lobbyist husband

US-Iran Military Escalation and Apache Helicopter IncidentInflation Surge and CPI Data Analysis (4.2% May 2026)Trump's Contradictory Iran Policy and Madman Theory
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Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR · Jun 10, 2026

US & Iran Trade Retaliatory Strikes, Primary Results In Four States, ICE Funding Bill

Republican Senator from Maine facing Democratic challenger Graham Platner in general election

U.S.-Iran Military EscalationMiddle East Ceasefire NegotiationsImmigration Enforcement Funding
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The Headlines

The Headlines · Jun 10, 2026

Stray Drones Are Setting Off Alarms in Europe, and the U.S. Deports a World Cup Referee

Longtime Maine senator facing challenge from Democrat Graham Platner in expected expensive race

US-Iran Military EscalationUkraine Drone Warfare StrategyNATO Air Defense Systems
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The Glenn Beck Program

The Glenn Beck Program · Jun 9, 2026

Best of the Program | 6/9/26

Maine incumbent whose Senate seat Platner is seeking

Political Corruption and Fraud in MinnesotaWelfare Fraud and Government Oversight FailuresWhistleblower Retaliation and Institutional Intimidation
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The Headlines

The Headlines · Jun 9, 2026

The Holdup at the Center of the Iran Talks, and Trump’s Baseless New Claims of Voter Fraud

Longtime Republican senator facing challenge from Graham Platner in Maine primary

Iran-U.S. Peace NegotiationsIsrael-Iran Military EscalationStrait of Hormuz Reopening
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Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR · Jun 9, 2026

Israel And Iran Pull Back, Primaries In Four States, Trump's Election Fraud Claims

Maine incumbent senator facing Democratic challenger in competitive 2024 race

Israel-Iran Military EscalationU.S.-Iran Nuclear NegotiationsIsrael-Hezbollah Conflict in Lebanon
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The Daily

The Daily · Jun 9, 2026

Maine Votes as Graham Platner’s Past Poses New Conundrums

Republican incumbent senator facing Platner in general election; denied meeting or knowing accuser Lindsay Feifeld

Democratic Primary Strategy and Candidate VettingOutsider Candidates vs. Establishment PoliticsPersonal Conduct and Political Disqualification Standards
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The Find Out Podcast

The Find Out Podcast · Jun 9, 2026

Trump Had A Huge Meltdown On Meet The Press & It Was So Good!

Republican incumbent Maine Senator; compared unfavorably to Platner on voting record and accountability

2020 Election Fraud Claims and Evidence StandardsMeet the Press Interview AnalysisCBS News Leadership Crisis
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Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · Jun 8, 2026

Trump's “Little Excursion" in Iran Becomes a 100-Day Disaster

Maine incumbent senator facing challenge from Platner despite physical decline and polling weakness

Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations and JCPOA RenegotiationU.S. Military Spending and Defense Budget EfficiencyAI Regulation vs. Government Ownership Stakes
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The NPR Politics Podcast

The NPR Politics Podcast · Jun 8, 2026

Will the controversy surrounding Platner deter primary voters?

Republican incumbent senator from Maine facing Democratic challenge; focuses on Senate Appropriations Committee influence

Maine Democratic Primary ElectionGraham Platner Controversies and AllegationsSusan Collins Senate Reelection Campaign
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The Bulwark Podcast

The Bulwark Podcast · Jun 8, 2026

Bill Kristol: Make It the Summer of Epstein

Moderate Republican who may need to vote on Blanche confirmation; Epstein cover-up puts her in tough political position

Iran-Israel Military EscalationTodd Blanche Attorney General ConfirmationEpstein Cover-Up and Justice Department Accountability
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The Daily

The Daily · Jun 8, 2026

Congressional Republicans Try a New Approach: Telling Trump No

Swing district Republican who voted for war powers resolution against Iran military operations

Congressional War Powers AuthorityRepublican Primary InterferenceWeaponization Fund and January 6th Compensation
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Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words

Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words · Jun 4, 2026

Victor Davis Hanson: Is Britain Experiencing Its Right-Wing George Floyd Moment?

Described as centrist Republican being attacked by Platner despite her moderate record

Iran Nuclear Negotiations and Military StrategyTwo-Tier Justice Systems in Western DemocraciesImmigration Policy and Labor Market Competition
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The Find Out Podcast

The Find Out Podcast · Jun 4, 2026

The Missing Congressman

Maine Republican senator criticized for falsely claiming moderate status while voting with party leadership

California Primary Election Results and Jungle Primary SystemCongressional Accountability and Missing RepresentativesMedia Consolidation and Institutional Decline
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The Michael Knowles Show

The Michael Knowles Show · Jun 4, 2026

California Tea Party, America's Browning & Putin's Pilgrims

Maine Senate race discussed; polling shows improvement despite Democratic advantages

2026 Midterm Election Prospects and Republican VulnerabilitiesIran Nuclear Strategy and Middle East Military InterventionSenate Race Analysis: Maine, Michigan, Iowa, Texas, North Carolina
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Pivot

Pivot · Jun 2, 2026

Anthropic's IPO, Platner's Campaign Controversies, and Blue Origin's Setback

Republican incumbent senator; Platner leading in polls to unseat her in 2026 Maine Senate race

Campaign Crisis Communication StrategyAnthropic IPO and AI Startup ValuationsPolitical Candidate Personal Conduct Standards
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Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · Jun 1, 2026

Trump’s Dumb Midterms Strategy and Platner’s Sexting Scandal

Incumbent Maine senator criticized as narcissistic and inconsistent on women's rights issues

Midterm Election Strategy and MessagingTrump's Political Viability and Approval RatingsCalifornia Gubernatorial and Mayoral Races
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The Bulwark Podcast

The Bulwark Podcast · Jun 1, 2026

Bill Kristol: Trump Is All-In on Authoritarianism

Chair of Appropriations Committee; criticized for not blocking Trump's controversial policies and spending

Iran Nuclear Negotiations and Strait of Hormuz ClosureTrump Administration Authoritarianism and Democratic Backsliding2026-2028 Election Interference and Voter Suppression Tactics
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Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR · Jun 1, 2026

Can Graham Platner survive another controversy? | NPR’s Newsmakers

Incumbent Republican senator from Maine, chair of appropriations committee, Platner's primary election opponent

Labor Union Coalition Building in Electoral PoliticsWealth Inequality and Billionaire Taxation PolicyAnti-Establishment Democratic Primary Campaigns
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Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words

Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words · May 29, 2026

Trump’s Iran Strategy, Why China Isn’t Rising, and the Socialist-Islamist Democrat Party

Trump pragmatically did not primary her despite disagreements; votes with him 75% of time

Iran Nuclear Negotiations and Military StrategyUS-China Geopolitical Competition and Economic Decline ThesisThucydides Trap Historical Myth Debunking
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The Megyn Kelly Show

The Megyn Kelly Show · May 26, 2026

Dems Celebrate George Floyd on Memorial Day, and AOC 2028 Rumblings, with Rich Lowry and Charles C.W. Cooke | Ep. 1325

Maine incumbent facing challenge from Platner; described as moderate establishment figure

George Floyd Legacy and 2020 BLM Riots AccountabilityDemocratic 2028 Presidential Primary DynamicsTrans Athletes in Women's Sports Policy
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Pod Save America

Pod Save America · May 17, 2026

Which Democrats Have What It Takes to Win the White House?

Analyzed as vulnerable Republican incumbent in Maine despite bipartisan reputation

2028 Democratic Presidential Primary StrategyAnti-Establishment Political MovementHispanic Voter Realignment and Trump Defection
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The Daily

The Daily · May 16, 2026

Graham Platner’s Plan to Dethrone Susan Collins — and the Democratic Establishment

Republican incumbent Senator from Maine facing Platner in 2024 election; criticized for Kavanaugh vote and moderate positioning

Anti-establishment Democratic primary challengesGrassroots organizing vs. establishment political infrastructureDemocratic Party theory of power and governance strategy
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Marketplace

Marketplace · May 13, 2026

Another inflation alarm bell

Suggested next Fed move could be rate hike rather than cut due to inflation

Producer Price Index (PPI) inflation and wholesale-to-retail price transmissionMiddle East conflict impact on global oil and diesel supply chainsFederal Reserve interest rate policy and inflation management
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Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words

Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words · May 7, 2026

Victor Davis Hanson: Nazi Tattoos Used to Be Taboo—Now They’re in the Democratic Party

Incumbent Maine Senator criticized by Platner as billionaire-backed despite voting 75-80% with Republican administration

Maine Senate race and Graham Platner candidacyNazi tattoo controversy and Democratic Party standardsVoter registration fraud and noncitizen voting
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The Focus Group Podcast

The Focus Group Podcast · May 6, 2026

S6 Ep39: Chuck Schumer’s Candidate Got Humiliated in Maine

Incumbent Republican senator facing challenge from Graham Plattner in Maine Senate race

Maine Senate Race 2024Democratic Primary StrategyCandidate Age and Generational Representation
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The Next Level

The Next Level · May 5, 2026

1078: This is The Stupidest War You Can Possibly Imagine

Incumbent facing Plattner in Maine Senate race, defending Iran war vote

Iran Military Conflict and Strait of Hormuz BlockadeGasoline Price Inflation and Supply Chain EconomicsTrump Administration Polling and Approval Ratings
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Pod Save America

Pod Save America · May 3, 2026

Bernie vs. the Robots

Republican senator facing challenge from Graham Platner in Maine Senate race

AI Safety and Existential Risk RegulationInternational AI Governance and Nuclear Arms Treaty ModelsCampaign Finance Reform and Super PAC Influence
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Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · Apr 30, 2026

As the War Nears Its Legal Limit, Trump Pushes Presidential Power Further

Incumbent Republican facing Democratic challenger Graham Plattner after Mills withdrew from race

Iran Nuclear Conflict and War Powers ResolutionFederal Reserve Independence and Legal ThreatsGerrymandering and Electoral Redistricting
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All In with Chris Hayes

All In with Chris Hayes · Apr 30, 2026

Hayes RIPS Supreme Court ruling: Back towards 'policies of Jim Crow'

Maine Republican facing reelection, cited 60-day War Powers Act threshold as important to her voting decision

Iran War Costs and Economic ImpactPentagon Budget and Military SpendingVoting Rights Act Section 2 Gutting
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Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words

Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words · Apr 23, 2026

Victor Davis Hanson: John Brennan’s ‘Rendezvous’ With Accountability Couldn’t Come Sooner

Maine Republican facing challenge from Graham Plattner in general election polls despite his extremist background

John Brennan perjury and CIA surveillance of U.S. senatorsDemocratic Party antisemitism and pro-Hezbollah positioningElection integrity: mail-in voting, voter ID, census fraud
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Bulwark Takes

Bulwark Takes · Apr 15, 2026

Mitt Romney: This is Why Nothing Gets Passed Anymore

Republican senator who worked with Romney on bipartisan legislation during divided government period.

Massachusetts Health Care Law (2006) - design and implementationAffordable Care Act - origins and national implementation challengesIndividual mandate - conservative vs. partisan framing
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