Why was the pundit class so quick to defend Graham Platner?

Graham Platner Suspends Maine Senate Campaign After Rape Allegation

Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and former mercenary who won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine, suspended his campaign in a video released Wednesday night. The decision followed a Monday report by Politico detailing an allegation of rape made by Jenny Racicot, a woman Platner previously dated.

Racicot told Politico that in 2021 Platner entered her home after she had told him not to come over. She stated she realized he was present upon hearing noises and that he then engaged in intercourse without a condom while she repeatedly said no. Politico reported reviewing emails between Racicot and her therapist discussing the alleged encounter, interviewing a later boyfriend in whom she confided, and examining messages she sent to another woman warning her about Platner prior to his political candidacy. Platner denied the allegation, stating that any claim of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue. He indicated in the suspension video that he would reflect on the path forward for his campaign.

The Senate race in Maine pitted Platner against incumbent Republican Susan Collins. Prior to the allegation, polls had shown Platner trailing Collins, with some voters citing concerns over character and moral values. Platner’s campaign had already faced multiple public controversies involving his personal conduct.

One earlier issue involved a Totenkopf tattoo Platner obtained while on leave in Croatia with military acquaintances. He stated he did not know the image’s association with Nazi iconography. Accounts from individuals familiar with him at the time indicated he had referred to the tattoo using that term. Platner attributed several past statements to periods of heavy drinking and post-traumatic stress following service in conflict zones.

Online posts attributed to Platner under the username P-Hustle included comments suggesting rape and sexual assault victims should take some responsibility for attacks and downplaying sexual assault in the military. Additional writings criticized rural voters and made statements about tipping practices by Black restaurant patrons. Platner described these as products of earlier behavior and presented himself as having changed.

A separate allegation came from Lyndsey Fifield, another former girlfriend. In an interview with the New York Times, Fifield stated that Platner had physically restrained her and locked her in a bedroom during an argument, leaving marks. Platner’s campaign strongly disputed claims of physical intimidation. In a later Washington Post interview, Fifield alleged that Platner had removed condoms without consent on multiple occasions. The campaign described those claims as categorically false and politically motivated. Several states, including Maine, treat non-consensual condom removal as a civil violation.

Democratic elected officials largely called for Platner to exit the race after the Politico report. Former President Donald Trump, when asked about the matter, stated it was a question of whether one believes the woman and noted that some people make false accusations.

During the primary and early general election period, several commentators expressed support for Platner’s candidacy. Ken Klippenstein wrote that Platner’s rise signaled the end of an era of certain types of politicians. Matt Stoller described the campaign as a rejection of particular Democratic approaches. Ryan Grim, after the primary, suggested the candidacy could prompt discussion of attitudes toward white male candidates. Following the rape allegation, Grim posted about a text message detail from Racicot’s account; Drop Site News later removed the video and stated it was not intended to justify the alleged conduct.

Platner and his wife had released a video earlier in the campaign discussing their use of IVF and attributing fertility issues to her. He had also been described in reporting as having exchanged messages with women other than his spouse.

The sequence of disclosures led to repeated statements from the campaign that additional issues would not surface. Platner maintained that prior conduct did not reflect his current character. Polling conducted before the latest allegation showed limited support among voters without college degrees, with character cited as a factor.

Maine voters had selected Platner in the Democratic primary despite earlier revelations about the tattoo and online history. The general election contest against Collins remained the focus until the suspension.