Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., has asserted that the Democratic Party faces a "reckoning" due to its response to mounting sexual misconduct allegations against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who has refused to withdraw from the race.
"A reckoning is coming for the Democratic Party," Kennedy stated on Tuesday during an appearance on "Hannity." He characterized Platner as a "clown" and a "predator," suggesting that the party's nomination of Platner, whom he referred to as part of the "Hamas wing of the party," has devolved into "raw-gut politics."
Kennedy argued that Democratic lawmakers overlooked warning signs about Platner in their pursuit of winning the Senate seat, and that the controversy now risks damaging the party. "The selfish part of me says, 'Run, Graham, run. I'll send you a campaign contribution.' But the part of me that wants America's future to be better than our present or our past knows that this guy is just, he's a predator. He is a predator, and you don't want him anywhere near power," Kennedy said.
The Louisiana senator's remarks coincide with growing pressure on Platner to exit the competitive race against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who had previously endorsed Platner, have since rescinded their support or called for him to end his campaign.
These calls follow a rape allegation made by Jenny Racicot, 41, a Maine resident who previously dated Platner. A second allegation surfaced Tuesday, with ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield accusing Platner of removing condoms during sex after she had explicitly instructed him to wear them.
Platner's campaign has denied both allegations. Reports indicate that Platner's campaign described Fifield's accusations as "categorically false and politically motivated" to The Washington Post.