On Monday, former aides to President Obama, now podcast hosts, expressed strong disapproval toward Graham Platner, a candidate for the Maine Senate. Reports surfaced indicating Platner is confronting a rape allegation.
“The allegations in the story are really bad and troubling,” stated Tommy Vietor, co-host of “Pod Save America” and former Obama spokesman. He remarked that the allegations seem credible, supported by documentation. Vietor also noted the political implications extend beyond the allegations themselves, citing a pattern of stories and transparency issues.
Maine resident Jenny Racicot accused Platner of rape during interviews with Politico and CNN. Racicot claims Platner entered her home uninvited while intoxicated roughly five years ago and assaulted her.
Jon Lovett, another podcast host and former Obama aide, suggested Platner might be deceiving himself regarding his past. He advocated for stepping aside from the election, noting that such an issue should not be resolved during the campaign.
Racicot, who had an intermittent relationship with Platner, reportedly ended contact immediately following the alleged assault. She expressed realizing she no longer had control, saying, “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, ‘This is no longer my choice.’”
Vietor further commented on a video of Platner addressing the allegations, suggesting, “My takeaway from that video was that he’s going to drop out of the race.” Vietor emphasized Platner’s need to leave the race.
The podcast host acknowledged that Platner had genuine appeal among voters looking for change, despite previous controversies.
“I think the challenge is going to be, you had all these voters who turned out and voted for Graham Platner despite previous scandals,” he stated. “They were conveying a desire for something different, but also anger at the establishment.”
Jon Lovett shared similar sentiments, stating, “He has to end the campaign so that we have a chance of defeating Susan Collins. The story is horrible. Platner’s lack of transparency over time undermines his denials.”
Lovett mentioned that the ongoing developments are believable, given Platner’s history. The allegations align with past behaviors, including heavy drinking and possible memory gaps.
His statements indicating an intense and challenging period in Platner’s life are underscored by documented evidence.
Lovett suggested Platner might have been dishonest with himself about the darker parts of his life.
“He has to withdraw to give us a chance,” Lovett concluded, emphasizing the importance of addressing the allegations outside the context of a Senate race.
Fox News Digital reached out to Platner’s campaign but did not receive an immediate response. Contributors were Adam Pack and Paul Steinhauser, with the report edited by Alexander Hall.
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