Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, is facing significant pressure to withdraw from the race following a detailed report by Politico alleging sexual assault. The report, published Monday, includes accusations from a woman who dated Platner and claims he assaulted her in 2021.
Within hours of the report's release, support for Platner began to erode. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, along with prominent figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and streamer Hasan Piker, have called for Platner to drop out. The deadline for candidates to withdraw their names from the ballot in Maine is the upcoming Monday. If Platner withdraws, the Maine Democratic Party has the option to select a replacement candidate.
Critics and some former supporters view Platner's situation as a predictable outcome, pointing to earlier concerns about his personal history. Progressive commentators are questioning whether a more thorough vetting process could have prevented this situation, suggesting that operatives who recruited Platner may have been overly optimistic.
Platner's campaign initially gained considerable momentum, tapping into a desire among some Maine Democratic primary voters for a candidate outside the traditional political establishment. His strong showing led to Maine Governor Janet Mills suspending her own campaign before the primary.
Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of Run for Something, an organization that recruits and supports first-time candidates, commented on the unfolding events. "It's upsetting — as a person, but also as someone who works in politics," Litman stated. "Because the people who believed in him will be disillusioned. I know people who were eager to move to Maine for the summer to volunteer for his campaign, who were inspired for the first time by him. What a fucking disappointment. What a betrayal of that hope."
Litman emphasized that her views are her own, as Run for Something does not endorse federal candidates.
Candidate Trajectory and Vetting Concerns
Initially, Litman found Platner's campaign launch video compelling and supported the idea of a primary challenge to Governor Mills. However, she noted some initial reservations, including his "bro vibes" and a tattoo that caused concern for her as a Jewish American. Platner had explained the tattoo as something he got while drunk as a Marine and did not fully understand its meaning at the time, noting he had since covered it.
Concerns also arose regarding Platner's past online activity, specifically Reddit posts from his younger years. Litman noted that many individuals who grew up online have made posts they later regret. She found no indication in these posts that Platner held antisemitic or white supremacist views, characterizing them instead as "edgelord" behavior.
After Governor Mills suspended her campaign, Litman publicly supported Platner, arguing that his ability to challenge incumbent Republican Susan Collins was paramount, given the importance of flipping the Senate. However, a story published in The Times in June raised further doubts, which Litman found troubling, stating, "I don’t like people who are shitty to women, I don’t like people who assault women."
With the latest allegations, Litman believes Platner is no longer a viable candidate to defeat Collins and should not be a U.S. senator.
The Role of Outsider Candidates and Vetting
Platner's candidacy highlights the risks associated with recruiting outsider candidates who may possess less traditional backgrounds but can generate significant enthusiasm. Litman acknowledged that such candidates are unlikely to be perfect and may have complex histories.
"That does not mean you have to accept someone who has credibly raped a woman, who has sexual assault allegations — like, there’s actually a spectrum here of what’s acceptable," she said. Litman also pointed to a flawed approach in candidate recruitment, describing it as a "Mad Libs-style" process that focuses on winning rather than leadership qualities.
Questions have been raised about whether standard vetting processes would uncover such allegations, especially given that a sitting congressman, Eric Swalwell, faced a similar situation. Litman suggested that some issues, like past online posts, might surface earlier with more public scrutiny, but acknowledged that deeply personal allegations might not always be uncovered during vetting.
Defining the "Red Line"
Earlier reports in The Times detailed allegations of verbal abuse and physical roughness, including an instance where Platner allegedly twisted an ex-girlfriend's arm and locked her in a room. At that point, the prevailing sentiment among many Democrats, prioritizing the Senate race, was to overlook these issues, with a credible accusation of rape or sexual assault being established as the primary "red line."
With the benefit of hindsight, Litman questions whether this red line was appropriately placed. She described the situation as having no good outcome, weighing the moral implications of potentially losing the Senate race against calling for Platner's withdrawal based on earlier accusations.
Litman noted that Platner was unlikely to withdraw voluntarily and that key validators, such as Sen. Sanders, held significant influence. The timing of the latest report, before the primary Platner won overwhelmingly, also complicates calls for his withdrawal, potentially disregarding voters' preferences.
Democratic Elites vs. Voter Choice
The situation also raises questions about whether Democratic leadership should overrule voter preferences for a candidate they find appealing. Litman stressed the importance of centering voters, asserting that "The voters are the party." She suggested that primary voters' strong support for Platner, evidenced by his significant win, meant that party elites should not presume to know better.
Litman also criticized the party establishment for clearing the field for Governor Mills, suggesting this move, along with Platner's popularity, indicates a misreading of the political moment.
Regarding a potential replacement if Platner withdraws, Litman advocated for a process that includes input from Maine voters and Democratic Party members to ensure buy-in for the challenging race against Susan Collins.