Susan Collins' post-heckle debate jab lands on deaf ears: 'Oh, shut up!'

An interruption of the final Maine Senate debate between Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson on Wednesday led to a half-testy, half-joking exchange between the two candidates onstage.

The questioning was disrupted when a protester began yelling about data centers, throwing everyone off balance.

"I'm so sorry to interrupt ... I'm terrified," shouted the man, over Collins' attempts to speak. "AI data centers are destroying our climate! They are poisoning our waters!"

As security moved to escort the man out, Collins said, "So, this is obviously one of Troy's supporters."

"Oh shut up," said Jackson, "I don't even know that kid!"

The development of AI data centers has become one of the most hot-button issues in local politics around the country. Many locals, both liberals and conservatives, have fiercely fought their construction, either because they believe it will be a nuisance or a threat to the local environment, or as a proxy for general distrust of the advancement of AI technology. Proponents argue that many of these criticisms are overblown and that data centers bring large amounts of tax revenue to the surrounding area.

President Donald Trump has plowed ahead despite concerns, proclaiming anyone who refuses to let data centers be built are voting for their communities to be poorer.