SouthernWorldwide.com – Former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign following serious allegations, a move that former President Donald Trump commented on, stating it would be “very hard” for Democrats to find a replacement.
Trump made these remarks to reporters on Air Force One while en route back to the United States from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
“It’s very hard for them to do. It’s really a question of whether or not you believe the woman,” Trump stated, referencing the allegations.
He further mused on the differing reactions to accusations made by women against Platner, noting the disparity in public and media responses.
“A lot of people say big falsehoods. It’s… he’s in a bind. He’s in a bind. But, should they be able to do it? Well, I guess he’s going to lose. I imagine he’s going to lose,” Trump added.
Platner’s decision to suspend his campaign came after numerous Democrats and other supporters withdrew their backing and urged him to step down from the race.
This withdrawal followed a significant report by Politico detailing allegations of rape against Platner. The report included claims from his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, who alleged that Platner forced his way into her home and sexually assaulted her in 2021.
The calls for Platner’s exit intensified after this report was published.
Prior to the Politico report, The New York Times had published a story detailing another allegation of physical abuse against Platner. This accusation came from Lyndsey Fifield, who works as a digital strategist for Republican political campaigns and organizations.
Trump highlighted this contrast, questioning why Fifield’s allegations did not generate the same level of outrage as Racicot’s.
“It’s very interesting when the Republican woman came out with the same charge, nobody believed her… when this woman came out everybody believed her, right?” Trump asked reporters.
Lyndsey Fifield had previously expressed criticism regarding The New York Times’ coverage of her accusations, pointing to the newspaper’s emphasis on her history of working for Republican entities.
Despite suspending his campaign, Platner has not officially withdrawn, which would be necessary to allow the Democratic Party to nominate a new candidate for the ballot.
Under Maine state law, Platner would need to officially withdraw by July 13 to enable the party to replace him on the ballot.
Platner has maintained his innocence, stating that his suspension of the campaign is not an admission of guilt and that he denies the allegations made against him.
