Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., has sharply criticized Graham Platner, the former Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, following Platner's withdrawal from the race. Platner dropped out after a woman credibly accused him of rape, adding to a string of controversies that have plagued his campaign.
Fetterman described Platner as a "dead man walking" and a "trash bag" in comments made on "Jesse Watters Primetime." "The trash took itself out tonight," Fetterman stated, suggesting that Maine voters now have an opportunity to elect a candidate free from Platner's alleged misconduct.
Platner announced his departure from the Senate race in an 11-minute video posted on X, denying the rape allegation from Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident. Racicot alleged that Platner entered her home uninvited and engaged in non-consensual sex despite her protests.
Fetterman also questioned the judgment of Democratic colleagues, including Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who had endorsed Platner. "What did [Democrats] see in this guy? Was it the Nazi tattoo, was it the gross messages online, the way he roughs up women?" Fetterman asked, urging Sanders to apologize to Maine voters and campaign donors.
Platner's campaign had been marked by several scandals, including a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and allegations of domestic abuse from former girlfriends. His exit from the race complicates Democrats' efforts to regain the Senate majority, as Republicans currently hold a 53-47 advantage.
"Adios, trash bag," Fetterman concluded, referencing Platner's withdrawal from the election. Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran, had been considered a challenger to Republican Senator Susan Collins.