Platner Holds Democrats Hostage, Trump Ditches New Air Force One | 7/9/26 FIRST LOOK - The Rubin Report

Summary4 min read

The Rubin Report – First Look: Platner Holds Democrats Hostage, Trump Ditches New Air Force One

Host: Dave Rubin
Date: July 9, 2026

Episode Overview

On this episode of First Look, Dave Rubin breaks down two major political stories dominating headlines: President Trump’s unexpected security move with Air Force One amid Iranian threat rumors, and the growing chaos surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as Democrats scramble to respond to a scandal and intraparty power struggle. Rubin delivers quick, sharp commentary, focusing on the intertwining of politics, security fears, and party infighting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Ditches New Air Force One in Turkey Over Iran Threats

Summary: President Trump opted not to fly home from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, aboard the newly donated $400 million Air Force One jet (a gift from Qatar), instead choosing the older Air Force One.
- Official Reason: Trump stated on social media that he wanted US troops at Mildenhall Air Force Base in the UK to tour the new plane.
- Security Concerns: The decision comes as Trump claims to be “number one on the kill list for Iran,” noting threats against his life and the increased risk following renewed US airstrikes against Iran.
  - The new jet's defensive capabilities are “unclear,” while the older jet is “known to have advanced anti-missile defenses.”
  - Expert Commentary:
    - Army General Robert Abrams highlighted security at Ankara as a likely factor.
    - Ex-CIA official Mark Polymeropoulos commented the new plane might lack necessary communications and protection suites for such high-risk travel.
Highlighted Quotes & Moments:
- Trump (via press, on the threat from Iran): “I’m number one on the kill list for Iran. They’re lovely people. They want to take out the US Leader me, and so far I guess I’ve been a little bit lucky, but that maybe doesn’t last very long.” ([01:21])
- Rubin (on the move): “President Trump skips the new Air Force One in Turkey amid serious Iran threats, proving he’s taking national security seriously.” ([04:00])
Timestamps:
- 00:10 – 02:30: Detailed account of Trump’s decision, security context, and reactions from military and intelligence experts.
- 02:30 – 03:05: Background on Trump’s recent actions against Iran.

2. Maine Democrats in Chaos: Graham Platner Scandal and Power Struggle

Summary: Graham Platner, embattled Democratic Senate candidate, refuses to step down after a serious rape accusation, plunging Maine Democrats into unprecedented turmoil.
- Key Players:
  - Morris Katz (described by Rubin as a “socialist fixer”), has joined Platner’s inner circle to help manage the fallout and strategize.
  - Platner’s top campaign team and left-wing advisors gathered to plot “how Platner can remain a voice in the Senate race no matter what.”
- Party Disarray:
  - The Democratic establishment, including prominent figures like Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, and Elizabeth Warren, have urged Platner to quit.
  - Platner’s team, perceiving his 150,000-vote primary result as evidence of a legitimate movement, reportedly seeks guarantees that any replacement will carry forward Platner’s far-left views.
  - The Maine Democratic Party is debating extraordinary measures, such as a convention, fearing Platner loyalists could seize control of the replacement process.
  - State party Executive Director Devin Murphy Anderson has accused Platner’s team of trying to exert undue influence.
Highlighted Quotes & Moments:
- Rubin (on the Democratic infighting): “This is what happens when the radical left eats its own. A deeply flawed candidate backed by socialists is now holding the entire party hostage while they fight over power and ideology instead of offering anything resembling normal leadership.” ([03:58])
- Party insider (reported via Rubin): “The involvement of Mamdani’s fixer has everyone fuming.” ([03:12])
Timestamps:
- 02:32 – 04:05: Platner scandal details, party responses, and the potential procedural chaos the Democrats face in Maine.

Notable Quotes

President Trump ([01:21]):

“I’m number one on the kill list for Iran. They’re lovely people. They want to take out the US Leader me, and so far I guess I’ve been a little bit lucky, but that maybe doesn’t last very long.”
Dave Rubin ([03:58]):

“This is what happens when the radical left eats its own. A deeply flawed candidate backed by socialists is now holding the entire party hostage while they fight over power and ideology instead of offering anything resembling normal leadership.”

Recap & Sign-Off

Quick Recap ([04:15]):
- President Trump’s swap of Air Force One jets in Turkey highlights his heightened security risk from Iran.
- The Maine Democratic Party is embroiled in messy, public infighting as the Platner scandal threatens their Senate prospects.
Closing Words:

“We’ll keep following all of it. I’m Dave Rubin. Thanks for starting your day with first look. See you tomorrow.” ([04:40])

This episode delivers brisk, colorful narrative with Rubin’s trademark critical tone, offering listeners a concise, commentary-driven overview of the turbulence at the highest levels of both parties. The coverage favors sharp analysis over neutrality, appealing to those who enjoy candid political commentary.

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Transcript1 lines

[00:04]
A
Hey everybody, I'm Dave Rubin and this is First Look. It's Thursday, July 9, 2026. We've got a packed show for you today. President Trump ditches the new Air Force One in Turkey over Iran threat fears, reminding everyone he's public enemy number one. Far left socialist fixer Morris Katz rushes to Graham Platner's side as Maine Democrats spiral into total chaos. Let's dive. President Trump made a notable security move at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, deciding not to fly home aboard the brand new $400 million Air Force One jet that Qatar donated. Instead, he used the older model for his departure. Trump announced the switch on social media, saying it was so US Troops at Mildenhall Air Force Base in the United Kingdom could tour the spectacular new plane. And he called it a way to honor our brave men and women of the military and give them the first look at this beautiful new addition to the Air Force fleet. But the timing has raised eyebrows. Trump has been openly discussing the Iranian threat against him. He told reporters, I'm number one on the kill list for Iran. They're lovely people. He also said they want to take out the US Leader me, and so far I guess I've been a little bit lucky, but that maybe doesn't last very long. When pressed by the New York Times about the plane change, Trump explained the new jet was heading to Europe for troops to see while he traveled. By normal methods, the older Air Force One is known to have advanced anti missile defenses, unlike the new luxury jet whose full capabilities remain unclear. This comes right after Trump ordered fresh airstrikes on Iran and declared his earlier peace deal effectively dead. Retired Army General Robert Abrams noted security at the Ankara airport was likely a major concern. Former CIA official Mark Polymeropoulos suggested the new plane may not yet have the full communications and force protection package needed for high threat international travel. The Graham Platner scandal is turning into a full blown disaster for Maine Democrats as the clock ticks toward Monday's withdrawal deadline to Mayor Zoran Mamdani's silver spoon. Socialist advisor Morris Katz has rushed to Platner's side to help plot his next move. Katz and Platner's top campaign team, including field director Spencer Toth, digital consultant Ryan Aquilina, campaign manager Ben Chinn, and deputy Eleni Nyland gathered at Platner's home in Sullivan, Maine. They're trying to figure out how Platner can remain a voice in the Senate race no matter what, even as he faces a serious rape accusation from ex girlfriend Jenny Racicot. Platner is refusing to step down despite the allegations, which he continues to deny as categorically false. His stubbornness has left Maine Democrats livid and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in shock, one source said. The involvement of Mamdani's fixer has everyone fuming. Platner racked up over 150,000 votes in the primary, and his allies argue he built a real movement that deserves influence. Katz reportedly believes Platner has to get out before the 5pm Monday deadline, but wants it done on Platner's own terms. Prominent leftists like Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna and Elizabeth Warren have all called for him to quit if Platner drops out. Democrats have just two weeks to pick a replacement under Maine law. The state party is scrambling even considering an ad hoc convention that that could be packed with Platner loyalists. Platner reportedly wants guarantees that any replacement shares his far left ideology. Maine Democratic Party Executive director Devin Murphy Anderson blasted Platner's team for trying to put their thumb on the scale of the replacement process. Platner's campaign denied meddling, claiming they were simply asking questions. This is what happens when the radical left eats its own A deeply flawed candidate backed by socialists is now holding the entire party hostage while they fight over power and ideology instead of offering anything resembling normal leadership. Main Voters are watching this circus closely, and that's your first look this Thursday. Quick recap. President Trump skips the new Air Force One in Turkey amid serious Iran threats, proving he's taking national security seriously. Socialist fixer Morris Katz rushes to help Graham Platner navigate the growing Senate scandal, leaving Maine Democrats in complete disarray. We'll keep following all of it. I'm Dave Rubin. Thanks for starting your day with first look. See you tomorrow.