Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont is standing by Senate candidate Graham Platner after reports surfaced of Platner exchanging sexually explicit texts with women early in his marriage. Sanders, who has endorsed Platner in his campaign against Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, emphasized larger issues facing working families.
Sanders highlighted the country’s housing crisis, healthcare affordability, and rising grocery and gas prices. He stated, “I think it’s important for us to focus on the issues facing working families a little bit more than Graham Platner’s marriage.” Sanders expressed his well-wishes for the marriage but urged focus on electing those who can challenge the oligarchs controlling the country.
Amy Gertner, Platner’s wife, publicly supported her husband in a video, despite expressing initial anger about the reports. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal revealed that Gertner had informed Platner’s campaign about the texts last year. The reports came from various insiders close to the campaign.
Platner admitted to sending explicit texts at the start of his marriage. He stated, “Amy and I went through something hard — because of me.” Platner asserted that people care more about issues affecting their lives than personal gossip.
Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona also defended Platner, noting Platner’s openness with his wife and their resolution of personal issues. Gallego stated that voters are more concerned about economic hardships like high gas prices and expensive housing.
Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico considered the text message reports a “tabloid story,” more significant in Washington D.C. than in Maine. He emphasized that Mainers would evaluate the race based on who supports working-class interests.
Platner, who is scheduled to meet with Senate Democrats soon, continues to receive endorsements from national progressives like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Ro Khanna.
Platner’s campaign has not been without other controversies. In October, he apologized for past Reddit posts that downplayed military sexual assault and for a now-covered tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. Despite these issues, he maintained popularity among Democratic voters, prompting Governor Janet Mills to suspend her Senate campaign, although she remains on the ballot.
Senator Susan Collins, Platner’s opponent, commented on the recent revelations, mentioning the ongoing issues concerning Platner’s character.
Leave a Reply