Graham Platner, who has been accused of rape, faced intense backlash on social media Wednesday after he announced he was dropping out of the Maine Senate race. In an almost incoherent video, he managed to blame various external factors for his campaign’s decline, rather than taking responsibility.
The 11-minute video, which many deemed a pathetic attempt to garner sympathy, cast blame on the “corporate media,” the “political establishment,” and even brought up support for “universal health care.” This rant drew sharp criticism from X users, with some labeling it as narcissistic and unnecessary.
Conservative commentator Ryan James Gardusky remarked, “His campaign literally ended in a whimper,” in reference to Platner’s self-pitying remarks.
Platner’s resignation announcement followed serious allegations from his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, who claimed he raped her in 2021 after she had repeatedly told him to stop. Platner has denied these accusations.
Emily Zanotti, a friend of Racicot, didn’t hold back, stating, “This video is more embarrassing than a Nazi tattoo.”
A right-wing influencer quipped that Platner had positioned himself as the “real victim” in the situation, commenting on how he wasted 11 minutes of everyone’s time. Another social media user humorously suggested he might be aiming for an Oscar with his dramatics.
Some even joked about the video length compared to the time it takes to serve drinks, poking fun at Platner’s past as a bartender.
Many were taken aback by his apparent lack of self-awareness and his insistence that his ex-girlfriend was lying about her allegations. Political consultant Mika Erfan pointedly remarked, “It’s not the establishment’s fault that your ex-girlfriend accused you of rape.”
Others, like conservative radio host Larry O’Connor, branded him a “narcissistic sociopath.”
The situation worsened with further allegations from another ex-girlfriend, who claimed Platner had removed condoms without consent during their relationship.
Popular leftist streamer Hatch weighed in, saying Platner is among the worst types of manipulators. Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh expressed that Platner seemed to be more interested in saving face than accepting responsibility for his actions.
Political commentator Ed Morrissey called Platner’s video “the most arrogant display I’ve seen in a long time,” accusing him of making himself the victim instead of addressing the serious accusations aimed at him.
Platner’s statement about living in a political environment not friendly to ordinary people only added to the unease. Joshua Reed Eakle countered by pointing out that most people don’t get accused of sexual misconduct and remarked on Platner’s strange logic regarding the establishment and the rape allegations.
Tim Rice, a journalist, noted how bizarre Platner’s reasoning was in claiming he was framed due to his political beliefs. Former Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod commented that while Platner might have generated a movement, his farewell was nothing to be admired.
