Senator Bernie Sanders defended his early endorsement of Graham Platner, the former Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, asserting that he called for Platner's withdrawal once serious allegations of sexual assault emerged.
Appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation," Sanders told host Margaret Brennan that he does not regret his initial support, stating, "When we heard the serious allegations made against him, I wanted to get on the phone. I wanted to talk to him. I did. I asked, along with virtually all his supporters, that he should get out of the race, and he did."
Sanders had repeatedly campaigned with Platner and continued his support through various controversies. These included allegations of abusive conduct, reports of explicit messages exchanged with women while Platner was married, offensive social media posts, and a Nazi-linked tattoo. Platner has denied serious wrongdoing, though he apologized for some past posts and opinions.
When questioned in June about reconsideration of his endorsement following a report on the messages, Sanders responded, "Certainly not." He later declined to state whether he believed women who accused Platner of abuse. Platner formally withdrew from the race earlier this month after Sanders and other supporters urged him to step aside following the sexual assault allegation, which Platner denied.
Maine Democrats subsequently selected Troy Jackson to replace Platner, with Jackson winning by a 566-5 delegate vote. Jackson now has approximately 100 days to campaign against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is seeking her sixth term.
The vetting process for Jackson also faced scrutiny. Before his nomination, reports indicated concerns about his past stance on abortion and accounts of his temper, workplace conduct, and mortgage history. A Democratic strategist described the examination of Jackson as a "rocket vetting process."
Sanders also commented on broader party divisions, responding to criticism from former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Emanuel had warned in an opinion piece that progressive candidates endorsed by what he termed "Bernie Bros" could harm Democrats in the upcoming elections. Sanders characterized this criticism as a reflection of an ideological and financial split within the party, pitting establishment figures dependent on billionaire donors against a progressive movement he claims is achieving electoral successes nationwide.