MSNBC host Joe Scarborough asserted that Republicans should cease their criticism of Democrats regarding early support for former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, labeling the attacks "hypocritical" and suggesting the GOP "should just really just shut up."
Scarborough made the remarks on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" after allegations of sexual assault surfaced against Platner, who has since suspended his campaign operations. Platner has denied the allegations.
"You know, Republicans should just really just shut up," Scarborough stated. "They really should just shut up. If they're going to be critical of Democrats for supporting a morally challenged candidate or one who has been accused of doing things that are morally challenged, it is so hypocritical, and they should just leave this to the Democrats to clean up their own house."
Scarborough contrasted the Republican response to Platner with the party's continued support for figures like former President Donald Trump, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, and Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton. "And by the way, if you want to talk about morally challenged candidates, you don't have to look at the White House," Scarborough said. "You don't have to look at Republicans bowing and scraping for the past decade... just look at Texas!"
He accused Republicans of overlooking allegations against candidates they endorse while targeting Democrats over the Platner situation. "Look at who Republicans are behind as they're trying to suggest that James Talarico is gay!" Scarborough said. "'But look at Paxton. He's not!' I mean, the hypocrisy!"
Scarborough also cautioned against immediate judgment in the media. "People in the media are just summarily saying, 'Well, he's a rapist,'" he noted. He drew a parallel to the coverage of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, where similar accusations were made. "I also said about Brett Kavanaugh... people would come on this network and call Brett Kavanaugh a sexual harasser or a rapist without any due process at all," Scarborough recalled. "Perhaps they needed to take a deep breath."
Platner announced he was suspending his campaign Wednesday night after Politico published accusations from multiple women. He has categorically denied the allegations, characterizing them as false and politically motivated.