Sen. Bernie Sanders Reflects on Support for Graham Platner

Senator Bernie Sanders stated that he has no regrets about his early support for disgraced oyster farmer Graham Platner, despite prominent red flags.

Sanders (I-Vermont) was among the first to endorse Platner soon after he announced his campaign for a Senate seat in Maine.

When asked during a CBS News interview on “Face the Nation” if he regretted not distancing himself from Platner sooner, Sanders responded, “No, I don’t think so.”

The self-identified democratic socialist has remained loyal to Platner despite a slew of controversies, including offensive social media posts and accusations of cheating on his wife, along with a Nazi symbol tattoo. He even defended Platner against allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women.

In response to inquiries regarding these scandals, Sanders sometimes highlights the external funding being used against Platner, portraying him as a working-class advocate.

Following a significant article in Politico that outlined rape accusations by Jenny Racicot, Sanders took a day before he publicly urged Platner to withdraw from the race.

“When I heard those serious allegations, I felt the need to reach out. I wanted to talk to him. I did. Along with most of his supporters, I encouraged him to step down, and he did,” explained Sanders.

The Democratic Party has since selected former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson as Platner’s replacement, aiming to contest incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).

Even though Sanders had backed Jackson in his gubernatorial primary bid, the former lumberjack ended up finishing third.

“I’ve known Troy for many years,” Sanders said. “He recognizes that the people of Maine are fed up with an economy that favors the billionaire class, with wealth inequality more pronounced than ever.”

“I believe he has a good chance to win,” Sanders added. “However, the challenge lies in the immense financial resources the oligarchs are pouring into these campaigns to favor establishment candidates.”

Addressing a question from CBS anchor Margaret Brennan about whether his endorsements, including Jackson and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, have been thoroughly vetted, Sanders acknowledged that might not be entirely the case.

“There are hundreds of candidates. I can’t be certain who has been ‘fully vetted,'” Sanders admitted.

“Those we support advocate for the working class in our country,” he continued. “Myself and other progressives are generating significant grassroots excitement and enthusiasm.”