From promising to stand in the “f—— way” of those who attack LGBTQ+ rights to vowing to “get s— done,” some of the Democrats on Maine’s campaign trail are embracing profanity in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
Foul language was once more of an aberration in the public arena. That is changing in the era of President Donald Trump, who has eschewed norms by publicly using profane and crude language in his campaigns and in office. Seeking to close what some have called an “authenticity gap,” Democrats have reacted to Trump and his policies by cursing as well.
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Both parties nationally view the seat held by the five-term Collins as key for determining if Republicans maintain their narrow hold on the Senate. All the candidates view the race urgently as well. But not all Democrats agree on the appropriateness or effectiveness of cussing.
Jordan Wood, a 36-year-old Bristol resident who previously worked on Capitol Hill and got a jump on most of the Democratic field by launching his campaign in April, recalled how a woman at one of his recent town halls told him she wishes he were “angrier” or would swear more.
Wood acknowledged in a Friday interview he swears in private conversations but avoids it publicly to be respectful of audience members such as children or people not comfortable with it. He also noted his upbringing as the son and grandson of pastors.
“I’ve heard them swear many times, but I’ve never heard them swear in public speaking,” he said, adding he would feel inauthentic if he started doing so at campaign events.