Democratic lawmakers deflected Sunday when asked about misconduct allegations against Graham Platner, refusing to condemn the Senate candidate despite previously championing the Democrats’ “Believe all women” mantra.
Mr. Platner has faced explosive allegations, including sending sexually explicit texts to multiple women while married, having a Nazi tattoo he says he did not understand when he got inked 18 years ago, social media posts insulting rural people and downplaying sexual assault, and a former girlfriend’s account of a toxic relationship involving rough physical behavior.
Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia was asked on CNN about why Democrats like himself were quick to believe Christine Blasey Ford, who made allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings, but are apprehensive about the women accusing Mr. Platner.
“If these allegations are true, obviously they’re disturbing, as the father of three daughters. But at the end of the day, the folks in Maine are going to decide that,” he said during an interview on “State of the Union.”
“I’ve got my own campaign. I’m trying to get rehired this year, and that’s what I’m focused on,” he said.
Mr. Warner, however, was quick to condemn Justice Kavanaugh and former Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota, when both were accused of sexual misconduct against women.
Then, Mr. Warner declared that sexual harassment and misconduct can never be tolerated. Now, he calls it a matter for the popular vote.
He also chalked up some of Mr. Platner’s behavior, specifically the sexting charges, to his being an Iraq War veteran.
“This is a guy that served, had PTSD. At the end of the day, though, is it really the choice of folks in Washington or is it the choice of the folks in Maine?” Mr. Warner said.
Mr. Platner has said he has post-traumatic stress disorder but has provided no medical diagnosis or any support besides his own word.
Mr. Warner also defended his party’s support for Mr. Platner by saying he hasn’t really been paying much attention to the story.
“I’ve not really followed this as closely. I got a full plate in front of me in terms of intel and national security in my own race,” though he added that “of course it does” disturb him.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was also asked Sunday on Fox News about Democrats’ past rhetoric of “believe all women,” but he too deflected, also claiming ignorance of the accusations.
“I haven’t followed these allegations closely, but what I have said is that violence against women in any way, shape or form is unacceptable. It’s a red line, and nobody should cross that,” Mr. Jeffries said.
“And any accuser who comes forward has to be treated with dignity and respect,” he added.
Rep. Ro Khanna, California Democrat, was on the campaign trail in Maine with Mr. Platner over the weekend and told CBS News “Face the Nation” that Mr. Platner is a broken veteran who served multiple tours in Iraq.
However, Mr. Khanna said he would drop his support for Mr. Platner if evidence of domestic violence or assault emerged beyond the woman who already has said he assaulted her.
Mr. Platner, like Justice Kavanaugh nine years ago, disputes those claims.
But Mr. Khanna also notably told the Platner campaign during his Sunday interview on CBS to stop attacking the former girlfriend who has accused him of assault and the journalists who reported her story, saying, “I believe her.”
Mr. Khanna acknowledged that Mr. Platner’s behavior was “misogynistic and shameful,” but credited him with taking accountability and undergoing personal redemption.
“My sense is, before the primary, a lot of this has come out. Obviously, look, if there was evidence of violence, I would not support him,” Mr. Khanna said. “If there was evidence of sexual assault, I’d have zero support for him.”
