Graham Platner faced widespread criticism on social media after releasing an 11-minute video announcing the end of his Senate bid in Maine. Critics on platforms like X, formerly Twitter, labeled the video as rambling and self-pitying, with many stating Platner blamed "the corporate media," "the political establishment," and even his support for "Medicare for all" for his campaign's downfall.
The video was posted two days after Platner's ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, publicly accused him of raping her in 2021. Platner has denied the allegation.
Commentators and social media users reacted sharply to Platner's message. "His campaign literally ended with a whimper," wrote conservative commentator Ryan James Girdusky. The Chicks on the Right X account summarized the video as "TLDR: Campaign suspended and a whole bunch of bluster." Others commented on Platner's perceived lack of self-awareness, particularly his insistence that his ex-girlfriend was lying.
Political consultant Micah Erfan noted, "It is not the establishment’s fault that your ex lover accused you of raping her." Conservative radio talk show host Larry O’Connor described Platner as a "narcissistic sociopath." Former Republican congressman Joe Walsh tweeted, "He entered the stage lying, and he leaves the stage lying. He’s a really bad guy."
Veteran political columnist Ed Morrissey called the video "the most arrogant display I’ve seen in a long while," adding, "He didn’t lead a movement; he answered a casting call. His entire narrative has been a lie. And he has the nerve to cast himself as the victim here."
Platner's statement that "we live in a political system that is not built for normal people" also drew ire. Joshua Reed Eakle, a Project Liberal board member, posted, "Idk dude, most normal people aren’t accused of repeated sexual misconduct and most normal people don’t get Nazi tattoos." Journalist Tim Rice commented, "’The establishment framed me for rape because I support Medicare For All’ is maybe the craziest thing this guy’s said yet."
Former Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod stated, "Platner built an admirable movement. But there was nothing admirable about the way he said goodbye."