Sen. Sanders Stands by Support for Graham Platner
During an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) expressed no regrets about his initial backing of former Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. This affirmation came after Platner’s ex-girlfriend accused him of sexual assault, prompting Sanders to suggest he step back from the race.
Moderator Margaret Brennan questioned whether Sanders wished he had acted sooner regarding earlier warning signs. She mentioned that Platner’s successor, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, might have benefited from more campaign time.
“No, I don’t think so,” Sanders responded. “Upon hearing the serious allegations, I reached out to him. I spoke with him directly. Along with most of his supporters, I urged him to withdraw from the race, which he did.”
When pressed about the vetting of other progressive candidates, Sanders acknowledged uncertainty about how thoroughly they’ve been scrutinized. “Look, I think there are hundreds of candidates. I can’t say who’s been vetted enough,” he stated. “But the candidates we support are committed to advocating for the working class.”
Despite controversies surrounding Platner—such as his problematic social media posts and Nazi-related tattoos—Sanders continued to support him until the allegations surfaced. Platner has denied any serious misconduct yet has apologized for some of his past remarks.
In a prior comment, when asked if he would reconsider his support for Platner amidst the allegations, Sanders responded straightforwardly, “Certainly not.”
Later on, when questioned about his belief in the abuse accusations, Sanders declined to provide an answer. Following another allegation, he called for Platner’s resignation, which occurred earlier this month.
In a recent delegate vote, Maine Democrats elected Jackson to replace Platner with a significant majority. Jackson will now prepare to face veteran Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is running for a sixth term.
Before his nomination, concerns were raised regarding Jackson’s previous views on abortion and other character aspects. A Democratic strategist noted that the inquiry into Jackson was expedited prior to the delegate decision.
This incident reflects wider tensions within the Democratic Party, particularly between progressive candidates and those backed by the establishment. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel highlighted these divisions in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, warning that the “Bernie Brothers” might undermine the party’s chances by supporting candidates with unpopular stances.
In response, Sanders indicated that Emanuel’s remarks illustrated the ideological rifts and financial disputes within the party. “There are strong divisions within the Democratic Party,” he acknowledged, emphasizing the contrast between establishment figures relying on wealthy donors and the progressive movement’s successes across the country.
