Sunny Hostin, a co-host on The View, faced criticism after stating she would have voted for a Democratic Senate candidate even if he had been accused of rape, indicating that party loyalty could outweigh such allegations for her. Hostin made the remarks on Tuesday's broadcast while discussing allegations against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner.
Platner, who denies the allegations, is facing accusations from Jenny Racicot, who claims he entered her home without permission and raped her in 2021. The report also noted other allegations from former romantic partners and a resurfaced Nazi SS symbol tattoo. Republican co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin called the allegations "damning" and "horrific," urging Platner to withdraw from the race. Co-host Sara Haines agreed, suggesting that voters who prioritize party over candidate are part of a "a disgusting time in politics."
Hostin responded by identifying herself as one of those voters, stating, "I was one of those people." She explained that if she were a resident of Maine, she "would have plugged my nose and would have voted for him anyway," citing what she perceives as an "existential crisis" in the country and a tendency for Republicans to "fall in line" while Democrats are more inclined to "fall in love" with candidates. She also contrasted the scrutiny faced by Platner with allegations against figures like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, referencing Hegseth's own past controversies.
The exchange grew tense, with Griffin questioning why Hostin would condemn some but not others. Hostin emphasized she was speaking about the Republican party "as a whole." Despite her initial stance, Hostin later stated that Platner should "step down."
Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, has not announced plans to withdraw from the race. His campaign has denied all wrongdoing.