SouthernWorldwide.com – Prominent Democratic operatives Neera Tanden and Shannon Watts have strongly urged Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to resign following a serious rape allegation that surfaced on Monday.
Tanden, CEO of the Center for American Progress, a think tank with significant ties to the Biden and Obama administrations, has been a vocal critic of Platner for some time.
She expressed continued frustration with those who failed to properly vet the candidate. Tanden stated in a resurfaced X post that while difficult choices are sometimes necessary, individuals should demonstrate more courage.
The allegations against Platner emerged when Politico reported that he allegedly raped a former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, while heavily intoxicated and despite repeated requests to stop.
Racicot detailed the alleged assault on CNN, telling host Jake Tapper that by definition, Platner “raped” her. She also questioned his perspective on drunk women, given his alleged actions and past controversial comments.
Platner has vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them as “troubling, serious, and false.” His campaign released a video on X shortly after the Politico report, reiterating the denial and stating he would reflect on his next steps.
In the video, Platner acknowledged the political fallout from the report, regardless of its accuracy. He emphasized his commitment to the state, its people, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins, which he stated were the original motivations for his campaign.
Watts, known for her gun control advocacy through Moms Demand Action, was quick to criticize party figures who, in her opinion, overlooked red flags regarding Platner’s past behavior.
She exclaimed on X, urging party leaders to “LISTEN TO WOMEN IN THE PARTY YOU F—— IDIOTS!!!!”
Watts also questioned the endorsements Platner received despite his alleged bigoted, racist, and sexist online comments, his Totenkopf tattoo, and accusations of domestic assault. She listed several prominent Democrats who had endorsed him.
With the Maine Democratic Party calling for Platner’s withdrawal, Watts also voiced concerns about potential replacements. She criticized the idea of figures like Senator Bernie Sanders handpicking an alternative candidate.
Watts suggested that Sanders, whom she described as having a poor track record in judging character, might try to leverage the situation to promote another favored candidate. This was likely a reference to Troy Jackson, another progressive figure in Maine.
Notably, Senator Sanders rescinded his endorsement of Platner on Tuesday and urged him to withdraw from the race.
Jackson himself faces allegations of a physical altercation with a female colleague, as reported by the advocacy group Progressive Victory.
Watts explicitly stated her opposition to Jackson as a potential replacement, referencing the Progressive Victory statement about him.
Tanden also indicated her reservations about simply replacing Platner with another progressive candidate. She suggested that the most democratic approach would be to consider the candidate who received the most votes in the gubernatorial race.
Similar to Watts, Tanden expressed disapproval of the notion that Jackson would be a suitable alternative. She implied that those responsible for the current predicament should take a step back before determining the path forward.
Tanden made these remarks with “utmost respect” for Ro Khanna, who had posted about Jackson’s achievements shortly after the news about Platner broke. Khanna, who had previously supported Platner, rescinded his endorsement on Monday, joining other Democrats in calling for Platner’s exit.
