MS NOW host Jen Psaki stated that former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner's political career was "enraging for all of us" following his announcement that he was exiting the race.
Platner's withdrawal came after allegations surfaced, including one from an ex-partner, Jenny Racicot, who claimed in 2021 that Platner had entered her home uninvited and engaged in sexual activity despite her requests to stop. Platner has denied these claims. A report from The New York Times also detailed accusations of "unsettling" behavior toward women by Platner.
"It is an end to what has been an unpredictable, incredibly tumultuous, at times fascinating, simply because of the political story and, ultimately deeply enraging political career for Graham Platner, enraging for all of us," Psaki said on her show, "The Briefing." She emphasized the importance of listening to voters and understanding events as they unfold, even when they are complex or confusing.
Psaki noted that Platner's exit was not due to political maneuvering but to the "bravery of the women who came forward to tell their stories." She stated that only the accusers deserved recognition for their actions.
Psaki also commented on Platner's video announcing his decision to leave the race, describing it as "finger-pointing" and revealing more about his character. She observed that the more than 11-minute video seemed to deflect blame rather than accept responsibility for the serious allegations.
During Platner's previous interviews on Psaki's show in October 2025 and April 2026, controversies surrounding him were discussed. In a 2025 interview, Psaki confronted Platner about his past statements and a Nazi tattoo, suggesting he was attempting to avoid responsibility. This occurred after CNN uncovered deleted Reddit posts from Platner between 2009 and 2021. These posts included descriptions of himself as a "communist," labeling all police as "bastards," and asserting that many rural White Americans were "racist and unintelligent." Platner also wrote about his disillusionment with American wars and his shift to the left following his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Further scrutiny of his deleted posts revealed comments where Platner appeared to downplay concerns about sexual assault, advising individuals to "take some responsibility for themselves" and avoid excessive intoxication to prevent compromising situations.