Progressive Democrats who once enthusiastically endorsed Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner are now scrambling to distance themselves after he was accused of drunkenly raping a woman in 2021. The allegations have reignited criticism of the party's support for Platner, who had already weathered a series of scandals, including revelations of a Nazi-linked tattoo, lewd online comments, and accusations of physical misconduct against an ex-girlfriend.
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who declared at an April rally that Platner was «my kind of man,» issued a statement Monday night following the rape allegations. «Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault,» Warren said. She urged Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee to address the allegations outside the Senate race. However, her office did not answer questions about whether she regretted backing Platner through his earlier scandals.
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, remained silent on the allegations until midday Tuesday. In a statement, he said he had spoken with Platner and recommended he step aside. Sanders had previously pledged to «do everything I can to make sure that Graham Platner is the next Senator from the state of Maine.» The reversal highlights the growing unease among party leaders as the allegations threaten to undermine the Democratic campaign against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
The left-wing commentariat, including former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor of the «Pod Save America» podcast, played a significant role in propping up Platner. Favreau had called Platner «a good, decent man» in April, even after the candidate's Nazi tattoo and Reddit posts emerged. Following the rape allegations, Favreau changed course, posting on X that Platner «needs to drop out ASAP» and that the allegations were «awful, credible.» Vietor, who had defended Platner against criticism from Representative Jake Auchincloss, also reversed his stance, calling for Platner to withdraw.
The allegations against Platner were detailed by 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot, who accused him of raping her while she was intoxicated. Platner has not dropped out of the race as of Tuesday morning. The scandal has also drawn reactions from other progressive figures. Author Stephen King, a vocal Democrat, initially suggested he hoped Platner would not drop out, but later argued that all politicians have flaws, citing biblical references. Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks blamed the media and the «Israeli lobby» for what he called a political assassination, while Ryan Grim, formerly of The Intercept, spent considerable time defending Platner online.
The controversy underscores the challenges facing the Democratic Party in Maine, where Platner was seen as a progressive alternative to Collins. The party now faces a difficult path forward, with some calling for a replacement candidate before the ballot deadline. The incident has also raised questions about the vetting process for candidates and the willingness of party leaders to overlook past controversies in pursuit of electoral victories.
