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

0:03Hey everybody, I'm Dave Rubin and this is First Look. It's Thursday, July 9th, 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 Plattner's side as Maine Democrats spiral into total chaos. Let's dive in. 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.

0:47Trump announced the switch on social media, saying it was so U.S. troops at Mildenhall Air Force Base in the United Kingdom could tour the spectacular new plane. 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.

1:27But 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 air strikes 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.

2:17The Graham-Plattner scandal is turning into a full-blown disaster for Maine Democrats. As the clock ticks toward Monday's withdrawal deadline, Mayor Zoran Mamdani's Silver Spoon Socialist advisor Morris Katz has rushed to Plattner's side to help plot his next move. Katz and Plattner's top campaign team, including field director Spencer Toth, digital consultant Ryan Aquilina, campaign manager Ben Chin, and Deputy Eleni Neeland gathered at Plattner's home in Sullivan, Maine. They're trying to figure out how Plattner can remain a voice in the Senate race no matter what, even as he faces a serious rape accusation from ex-girlfriend Jenny Rassacott.

3:00Plattner 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 campaign committee in shock. One source said the involvement of Mamdani's fixer has everyone fuming. Plattner racked up over 150 ,000 votes in the primary, and his allies argue he built a real movement that deserves influence. Katz reportedly believes Plattner has to get out before the 5 p.m. Monday deadline, but wants it done on Plattner's own terms. Prominent leftists like Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, and Elizabeth Warren have all called for him to quit.

3:44If Plattner 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 could be packed with Plattner loyalists. Plattner reportedly wants guarantees that any replacement shares his far left ideology. Main Democratic Party Executive Director Devin Murphy Anderson blasted Plattner's team for trying to put their thumb on the scale of the replacement process. Plattner'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.

4:36Maine 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 Plattner 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.