Q-POINT
Q-Point Podcast, hosted by Corenna and David Quirk, is a nonpartisan platform for candid conversations with policymakers, public officials, and changemakers shaping Maine and the nation. We go beyond the headlines, diving deep into policy discussions, current events, personal journeys, proposed legislation, and leadership philosophies. From community leaders to government officials and business executives, our guests share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on the issues that matter most.
Guests have included former Maine Governor Paul LePage, Congressman Jared Golden, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows as well as several Gubernatorial and Congressional Candidates - to name a few. Focused on substance over soundbites, Q‑Point explores the real-world impact of legislative decisions, oversight, and public policy.
Broadcast statewide weekend mornings on VOM Radio (101.3, 103.9, or stream from anywhere on the VOM App). Available anytime at QPointPodcast.com or on all major streaming platforms.
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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein. This podcast does not endorse candidates nor should any episode be considered an endorsement.
Q-POINT
“When I Talk About Taxing the Rich, That’s Who We’re Going After.” — Platner on Defining Wealth Inequality and Who Federal Tax Policy Should Target - Part TWO
🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Graham Platner — Part Two
“When I Talk About Taxing the Rich, That’s Who We’re Going After.”
In Part Two of the Q-Point Podcast conversation with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, the discussion centers on wealth inequality, federal taxation, and the growing burden placed on working people and small states like Maine. Platner explains what he means by “taxing the rich,” drawing a sharp distinction between ultra-wealthy individuals and multinational corporations versus small business owners, fishermen, and family-run operations. He argues that current tax structures allow extreme wealth to go untaxed through asset borrowing, shifting financial pressure onto states and municipalities.
Platner outlines why Maine continues to experience high property and income taxes, pointing to what he describes as decades of federal retreat from funding infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He makes the case that only the federal government has the capacity to address concentrated corporate and billionaire wealth—and that doing so could ease tax pressure on states, municipalities, and working families.
The conversation turns to Maine’s fisheries and coastal industries, where Platner discusses the lobster industry as a rare example of an economy built around local ownership rather than corporate consolidation. He reflects on the role regulation has played in shaping that model, the challenges fishermen face today, and why he believes long-term thinking is essential for the future of Maine’s working waterfront.
Platner also weighs in on federal regulation, conservation, and economic development, emphasizing the importance of aligning policy with on-the-ground realities. He discusses broader ideas around rebuilding domestic industries, investing in innovation, and thinking more strategically about how Maine’s natural resources can support future growth.
The episode also touches on the Senate committees Platner would seek if elected, why those assignments matter to Maine, and how they align with his broader economic and policy priorities.
Closing the conversation, Platner emphasizes coalition-building across party lines, unscripted town halls, and his belief that rebuilding trust in politics requires long-term thinking, imagination, and genuine engagement with everyday Mainers.
📻 Airs weekends on VOM (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.
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