‘We’ is a better path forward than ‘us vs. them.’ Enter Rick Bennett. | Letter

[](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/) _[Read all of our coverage](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/) of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the [Maine Political Report](https://www.pressherald.com/mprnewsletter/) in your inbox or [text messages](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/11/maine-political-news-sent-right-to-your-phone-sign-up-for-text-alerts-from-our-editor/) from politics editor Kirby Wilson._ I write inspired by Graham Platner’s [ad,](https://x.com/grahamformaine/status/2050229269444395300?) “Which side are you on?” The ad is seductive, powerful and well executed. Yet it offers a false choice — one that positions elections as “us vs. them” instead of “we.” It plays to today’s partisan echo chambers — the zero-sum game mentality; your loss is my win. Instead of _e pluribus unum_, it’s _e pluribus duo_. Rick Bennett, running for governor, is running on the promise that bringing all sides together will offer far better outcomes. It’s win-win vs. win-lose. It speaks to our better angels. It’s the high road that is much harder to take — and it takes Rick’s principles, courage and leadership to travel that path. This approach recognizes that golden eggs take golden geese and the challenge is to balance and optimize the collective interests of all. Us vs. them is a race to the bottom. “We” is the trail to the top! **Hal Minot** _Brunswick_ Copy the Story Link Tagged: [election 2026](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/), [featured letter](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/featured-letter/), [governor's race 2026](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/governors-race-2026/), [letter to the editor](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/letter-to-the-editor/)