In this column, Warren Kinsella examines what happens when political parties overlook conduct they would condemn in their opponents. Drawing parallels between Justin Trudeau and Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, he argues that partisan loyalty can lead supporters, elected officials, labour organizations, and media outlets to minimize serious questions about a candidate’s judgment and character. Kinsella recounts allegations and disclosures involving Platner—including deleted social-media posts, a Nazi Totenkopf tattoo, and accusations of sexual misconduct. The piece focuses less on political ideology than on whether ethical standards are applied consistently in democratic politics.