Carr crash radio appearance by Sen. Collins | Letter

Senator Susan Collins Criticized by Maine Resident After Appearing on Howie Carr Show

Bedford, N.H. — A letter to the editor published in the Portland Press‑Herald on Monday drew attention to the appearance of U.S. Senator Susan Collins on the controversial radio program The Howie Carr Show.

David Scannell, a former resident of Maine who once campaigned against Collins’ 2020 Senate bid, wrote that he “have come to grudgingly admire her avowed commitment to avoiding name‑calling and personal attacks.” Scannell praised Collins as “a dignified presence in an arena that is increasingly undignified,” but added that she should be ashamed for participating in Carr’s segment that aired from the station in Gorham on September 25.

The letter described how Carr, known for his blunt commentary, often “revels in name‑calling and personal attacks” and, in the portion of the show preceding Collins’ interview, made remarks about immigrants and foreign nations that the writer called “very misogynistic.” Scannell singled out an off‑hand comment about the lieutenant governor of Massachusetts that, according to him, failed to meet Carr’s personal standards of beauty.

“Collins should be ashamed of appearing on this show,” the letter concluded. Scannell’s critique highlights a broader debate about the tone of political talk radio and the expectations of public officials who choose to appear on such platforms.

While Collins has long been recognized for her reputation as a moderate Republican who eschews partisan smears, the letter suggests that even she can be seen as a target when aligning with a program that frequently crosses into the realm of harassment. The Press‑Herald has not yet issued a response from Collins or her staff.