Maine Gov. Janet Mills joined other Democratic governors in a conversation with President Joe Biden on Wednesday night as part of a White House effort to shore up support for Biden after his widely critiqued performance in the first presidential debate. 

Mills wrote in a statement to Maine Morning Star that the debate was difficult to watch, but affirmed that she will continue to back Biden after the conversation, which she participated in remotely from Maine.  

“The president made clear to me and the rest of the governors that he was in it to win it and that he would be making his case to the American people – and I believe him,” Mills wrote. “Over the next several months, and especially in the coming days, I look forward to the president demonstrating to the American people the same heart, determination, and vigor that he brought to our conversation this evening – qualities that I have come to know well in my time with him over the years.”

During the debate on June 27, Mills told Maine Morning Star that democracy is at stake in the November presidential election, as well as common sense and civility in the White House, which she said she had not seen from former President Donald Trump during the debate. Rather, the governor criticized Trump for deploying what she called mudslinging, name calling and “just so many fibs.” 

Reiterating this contrast in the statement Wednesday, Mills added that Biden had a record of accomplishment for Maine people, as opposed to “the chaos and ineptitude that Donald Trump would rain down on the American people.”

Reacting to debate, Gov. Mills outlines what’s at stake for Maine in presidential election

However, Mills wrote that she told Biden the debate was difficult to watch and that some Mainers shared concerns with her about his campaign, specifically anxiety over whether he could win. Mills also conveyed to Biden “that it would be good for him to reassure the voters of Maine, just as he was reassuring us,” she wrote. 

Writing that the conversation was candid and constructive, Mills added, “I told him that I cared deeply about him, that I believe he has been an excellent leader for our country, and that I support him.”

In the week since the debate, Democrats have raised concerns about Biden’s performance. On Tuesday, Texas U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett called for Biden to withdraw as the Democratic nominee, becoming the first congressional Democrat to do so.

Amid speculation about Biden’s future as the Democratic nominee, the White House has said Biden is “absolutely not” stepping down.  

The Maine Democratic Party has also continued to show its support for the president. In a statement on Tuesday, the state party contrasted the candidates’ records on a range of issues.

“Unlike Donald Trump, President Joe Biden has delivered for Mainers by lowering costs for Maine families, creating more than 44,000 good paying jobs, investing $2.5 billion to strengthen our infrastructure, and expanding Mainers’ access to affordable health care,” the statement read. 

The Maine Democratic Party is also of the belief that “the only way to defeat Donald Trump and his plans to ban abortion nationwide including here in Maine, gut access to affordable health care, and destroy our democracy is to reelect Joe Biden this November.”

Old Orchard Beach might have one of the best full days planned for Mainers looking to celebrate the Fourth of July. Beautiful beaches, free concert, and of course, FIREWORKS!

195th Maine Army National Guard Band to Perform a Free Show

The 195th Maine Army National Guard Band is performing a FREE concert on the 4th of July. It will take place at Old Orchard Beach as a part of their summer concert series at the Seaside Pavilion.

This is a free concert, and no tickets are required for admission. What better way to celebrate America’s birthday with a free concert put on by some of our heroes playing America’s favorite music (along with a few other reported surprises).

Seaside Pavilion is Walking Distance from Maine Beaches

Seaside Pavilion is less than a mile away from the very popular Old Orchard Pier. Regardless of where you live in Maine, spending the day at the beach at Old Orchard Beach and then capping it off with a free concert by the 195th Army National Guard Band sounds like a special experience for the entire family.

There is a slight chance of rain for Thursday’s 4th of July forecast at Old Orchard Beach, but the optimist in me says that just means there is also a chance for amazing weather for the 4th of July.

Fireworks Will Happen at 9:45pm Near the Old Orchard Pier in Maine

After the free concert by the 195th Maine Army National Guard Band at 7pm, there will be a firework show less than a mile away at 9:45pm. It will take place near the Old Orchard Pier in front of Palace Playground. If you don’t have plans for the family this 4th of July, this sounds like it could be an incredible way to celebrate America!

ROCKLAND, Maine – Police in Rockland have charged two juveniles who they say broke into a home while people were inside sleeping.

Police were called to the South End around 2 a.m. Wednesday for a report of three juveniles breaking into cars. Officers said they identified several unlocked cars that had been gone through, as well as a damaged mailbox.

Police said they also discovered a nearby home where a window screen on the first floor had been cut open and several items removed from the home were found on the lawn. Police say the homeowners were asleep inside while this happened.

Two juveniles were arrested and charged with burglary, motor vehicle burglary, criminal mischief and refusing to submit to arrest/detention.

Police said Wednesday that they have also identified a third juvenile who they think was involved.

Rockland police were asking anyone in the South End who has a home security system to check their cameras between midnight and 2:30 a.m. Anyone with information or video should contact Detective Jordan Jandreau at jjandreau@rocklandmaine.gov or the Knox Regional Communication Center at 207-593-9132.

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