SouthernWorldwide.com – Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a prominent Democrat from New York, has remained notably silent amidst emerging allegations against U.S. Senate hopeful Graham Platner. This silence is particularly striking given her leading role in the #MeToo movement, where she vocally championed outrage against men accused of sexual misconduct.
Platner, who is expected to secure the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine on Tuesday, faces accusations of aggressive physical behavior from a former girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend shared her experiences with The New York Times, detailing disturbing incidents.
Despite the seriousness of these allegations, Gillibrand, who has a history of advocating for alleged victims of powerful men, has not issued any public statements. This stands in stark contrast to her past actions.
In 2017, during the peak of the #MeToo movement, Gillibrand was one of the most vocal critics demanding the resignation of then-Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota. Franken faced accusations of sexual harassment from eight women, including claims of groping and non-consensual kissing.
The scandal led to Franken’s resignation from Congress under immense pressure from within his own party and from the political right. He later expressed in an interview with Conan O’Brien that he felt he “deserved due process” which he did not receive.
Gillibrand defended her stance on calling for Franken’s resignation, even when facing scrutiny during her own presidential campaign. She stated that she could not remain silent when faced with credible allegations.
“I know the issue of Sen. Franken is hard for many Democrats. But he had eight credible sexual harassment allegations against him, and I had to choose whether to stay silent, or not. If some megadonors have a problem with that, that’s on them,” she posted on X in 2019.
She further emphasized her commitment to not silencing women, stating, “Silencing women for the powerful, or for your friends, or for convenience, is neither acceptable, nor just.”
Gillibrand also took a strong stance in 2018 regarding Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. During his confirmation process, Kavanaugh faced an unproven allegation of assault by Christine Blasey Ford from decades prior.
At the time, Gillibrand told the Democrat and Chronicle, “I think this should affect every senator’s view on Judge Kavanaugh. I’m hopeful the Senate will at least have some measure of review, maybe a hearing, some measure of analysis of this accusation, and have some measure of clarity on whether this is disqualifying. I believe it is disqualifying, given what we know.”
She actively used Twitter, now X, to voice her opposition to Kavanaugh’s confirmation, repeatedly stating her belief in women who allege misconduct by men. She posted, “#IBelieveChristine Blasey Ford. Her credible allegation of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh should disqualify him from ever being confirmed to the Supreme Court.”
The current situation with Graham Platner highlights what critics describe as hypocrisy from Gillibrand. She, who has previously called out politicians from both parties when allegations surface, has remained silent as Platner faces multiple controversies, including the accusation of physical misconduct.
Lyndsey Fifield, a former girlfriend of Platner, recounted to The New York Times that Platner engaged in physically rough behavior. She described incidents where he would grab her shoulders, sometimes leaving marks, and on one occasion, yanked her out of a taxi after an argument.
Fifield also recalled an instance where Platner twisted her arm behind her back, pushed her into a bedroom, and held the door shut, telling her to remain there until she was “calm.” She stated she eventually fell asleep and left the following morning.
Platner’s campaign has publicly denied these accusations, asserting they are “simply not true.”
In contrast to their previous “believe all women” stance, some Democrats online have suggested Fifield, who has a background in conservative politics, is a political operative. Gillibrand has not offered any comment since the New York Times report was published.
Prior to the allegations of physical misconduct, Platner was involved in other significant controversies. He reportedly met with influential Democratic leaders in Washington, D.C. for crisis talks just one week before the Maine primary election.
Among these controversies are a Nazi-linked tattoo on his chest, a vulgar post about masturbating in portable toilets, and exchanging sexual messages with women while married.
Interestingly, before the New York Times report and even after other scandals had emerged, Gillibrand and other Democrats had previously reiterated their support for Platner.
Outside of meetings with the candidate, Gillibrand expressed confidence in her party’s chances in Maine and affirmed her continued support for Platner. When asked by reporters if she still supported the candidate, she stated, “I do. I have confidence that we are going to win Maine and I have no doubt.”
