Exclusive: Woman who dated Graham Platner says he sexually assaulted her

[pat_k]

Source: Politico

A woman who dated Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner says he forced her to have sex with him nearly five years ago despite her repeated objections, an allegation Platner denies.

The woman, a 41-year-old Maine resident named Jenny Racicot, detailed the alleged incident to POLITICO in three interviews over the past two weeks. POLITICO also spoke with a man Racicot dated and confided in the years after the alleged incident, and reviewed documents, including emails between Racicot and her therapist and messages between Racicot and an acquaintance whom she warned against getting involved with Platner years before he ran for office.

Racicot said she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner, who is now the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, for more than two years before he entered her rural Maine home uninvited one night in late 2021, deeply intoxicated, and forced himself on her while she repeatedly told him to stop. She said she cut off contact with him after telling him the encounter was not consensual.

“I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” she said. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’”

Platner denied the allegations.

“These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue,” he said in a statement.

Racicot previously described “reckless” and “unsettling” behavior by Platner to The New York Times, but says she didn’t go public with the specific assault claim because she didn’t want to be known as a rape victim.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737

[Marie Marie]

1. Guess we'll be seeing a lot more of Susan Collins...

If true - he deserves accountability. If not true, then once again the GOP will succeed in smearing and cheating their way into another win. Either way, Susan may benefit from his dirt rather than her record.

[Vinca]

2. What's Janet Mills doing these days?

[obamanut2012]

3. She said to write her in after the last set of

Scandals from this dude.

[pat_k]

9. David Costello would be a better pick.

My opinion doesn't matter, but I'd be a hell of a lot happier if they picked David Costello over Mills. I just don't see people getting excited about Mills. Costello was gaining ground when the first NYT reports dropped. There just wasn't enough time before the primary for people to take a closer look at him.

[paleotn]

35. 2024 and Kamala all over again. It's a bit too late for that now.

So, why don't you just hand it to Susan on a silver platter. A note of congratulations would be nice.

[pat_k]

58. Hope your wrong. I think there's time.

Campaigning in one state is a hell of a lot different that mounting a national campaign.

As QuietEm points out Maine will be OK. There are options. For example, Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, Joe Baldacci, or even David Costello

My only hope is that they DO NOT go with Mills.

They need someone who inspires the people inspired by Platner.

It sounds like Troy Jackson campaigned with Platner and may be a good choice to take the movement forward.

There is time between now and the general to gather support behind a new nominee in a single state.

[Jack Valentino]

91. --- especially since a whole lot of Maine voters are anxious to vote Democratic

this year-- Democrats and independents

[MadameButterfly]

125. He seems very appealling and progressive enough

Thanks for posting this. I'm also interested in Troy Jackson. I don't know why Jackson and Costello didn't do better in their races, and why the DNC thought they were helping matters by bringing in Janet Mills. Hoping Platner has made the way for Troy or Costello.

We are about to find out whether Platner has what Biden didn't have in a timely fashion: the strength and generosity to care more about the people than his own career when he is no longer viable.

[pat_k]

158. It sounds like Troy Jackson may be more of a contender, along with a couple others

More here
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=3691052

[paleotn]

34. Being unelectable. Mainers aren't happy with her.

[awesomerwb1]

4. Way to go Maine!

[2naSalit]

10. Excuse me...

Last edited Tue Jul 7, 2026, 08:33 AM - Edit history (1)

But I recall getting a lot of grief before the primary for not wanting to vote for him citing these exact issues. But I was castigated for "purity testing" this guy, which I was not.

So don't blame me that everyone else was head over heals for a the guy, I was not and this is exactly why.

Shiny new object makes many leave the sensible choices behind.

[drray23]

11. My thought exactly.

I am not a Mainer but we spend at least one month every year there. We have dear friends in Rockport and often do the trip from Virginia to stay there. Maine is dear to my heart, I love the people, the food and the environment. I am only familiar with coastal maine.

[2naSalit]

13. I grew up...

Ont the coast, moved away in my early teens. Came back last year, now in the north woods and loving it. Coming home wasn't all that hard after all.

I voted in Maine for the first time this year and I was hoping for Mills to take the nomination. She is the only state-wide elected candidate who has won more than once. She said that all the 'novices' who had run against collins in the past lost to her.

If what's his name stays in, we'll see collins win again.

[Blasphemer]

14. Hard same. I had a post removed for suggesting exactly this would happen. nt

[COL Mustard]

70. Damn, 2na...

You did get creamed! I don't think I've seen anyone with 4 hidden posts. At least they'll all fall off in 90 days.

[CozyMystery]

116. Just because people suggested this would happen doesn't make it true. nt

[paleotn]

36. Wonder if this latest one got a big check.

Anyone checked her bank accounts lately?

[niyad]

57. Seriously?

[paleotn]

59. I don't know for sure and neither do you.

Unless you've got some mystical pipeline to info no one but the accused and accuser has, it's all conjecture. And very helpful conjecture for Susan Collins AFTER the Dem primary. She made accusations prior. Why did she not come completely clean then? She had little reason not to. All I'm saying is stranger things have happened in politics. It would certainly be more than worth it for some if Republicans retained control of the Senate. Very, very much worth it.

[radical noodle]

129. If Republicans were behind this

wouldn't they have waited a few more days until Platner was locked in as our nominee?

[paleotn]

67. I appreciate your posts and figure you're due some insight into my meaning.

My judgment is tempered in a number of ways. Cui bono to start with. Who benefits? Secondly, why now? Why not before the Dem primary when this first came out? Or was this purposefully held back? That doesn't necessarily mean she's lying. But it could mean she's being played even if she's telling the truth. Or, this is entirely a fabrication built on what Platner has already admitted to. Don't know for sure.

I would hope these things are run like they use to be. There's an opposite to opposition research. One person in my family, an old time political operator, called it "empty your pockets." A candidate needed to divulge everything that could possibly be dug up and used against them. Then they strategized on how it could be used, embellished, and what they would do to counteract the damage, knowing full well that in bare knuckle politics (like there's any other?) it was bound to come out. Or said family member could simply walk away, knowing the candidacy was doomed eventually and rightly so in some cases. To him, defense was just as important as offense. That person heavily colors my views on politics. An old time, FDR Dem and the root of my Machiavellian streak. It's said he could have made Carl Rove blush but he would have admired Rove's ability to turn an opponent's strength into their weakness.

Surely to God Platner's team did this and this isn't freaking amateur hour. That's always been my worst fear about him. Perhaps they didn't do that. Perhaps not comprehensively. Maybe he didn't divulge it. That would have made a certain old campaign manager I once knew extremely angry. The next 24 to 48 hours will tell. I'm holding judgment until then and others should too.

[niyad]

71. I understand what you are saying. But, as a number of posts and OP's,

both during the primary and today, indicated, ALL that information was out there. We posted about it, repeatedly. In return, we were castigated, scorned, reported, told that if we were not Maine voters, we had no right to speak. I read the entire oppo report. And yet, here we are.

[paleotn]

73. I get it, but Republicans are extremely good at this...

That's not saying she's lying per say. That's saying I don't trust Republicans to tell the entire truth. Control of the Senate is worth enough for them to go to extremes to protect it. I know it's an emotional issue, but lets see where this goes. Lets see if he can defend this. His initial defense before the primary seemed pre-planned. But if he's winging it, i.e. amateur hour, he's probably cooked. And there's little time to rev up an alternate candidate, but that may be the best alternative. It's a damn mess either way. What really bothers me is the excitement he engendered in the Dem electorate. Even with the baggage. What a damn waste if he's done. Shades of Gary Hart.

[MadameButterfly]

136. Stories have come out that Gary Hart was framed

Taken out on a boat and photographer waiting when woman dropped into his lap as planned on a boat conveniently named "Monkey Business". I believe this cam out on Rachel Maddow.

I'm not saying the Platner thing is the same, I just wouldn't use Hart as an example with the meaning you intend.

[BComplex]

92. Those were all my thoughts, too, paleotn.

Platner had said that he was a head case after getting back from Iraq, and I know too many people who went through the same things. Platner has been an awesome speaker and has moved the most positive democratic message forward to get the democratic party out of our abused spouse mentality, always on the back foot.

The timing of this is so totally suspicious. And we know the democratic "leadership" has been against any progressive movement since the Clinton presidency, so they are all jumping into the lynching party. They've been against a bunch of the new progressives from the first. It just portends more of the same for the party in the future....which just won't work anymore in the new world we're living in.

It's PAST time for change, and I was hoping Platner was going to be able to stand up to some of the stupid we have to watch every day in DC. Even though I say the timing of this accusation is totally suspect, if he did this, he was a drunken asshole for doing it. She's got an agenda for bringing this forward NOW. I don't follow the whole " I didn't want to sound like a victim THEN, but now I do because it's so scary to think what he might do with early voting starting so friggin' soon". WTF? I've been in a situation that she described, and I can tell you, it was awful! It still is after 25 + years in the past. But this just seems mighty deliberate, and the timing is impeccable if you're trying to get Susan Collins elected.

[hadEnuf]

85. The timing is certainly political.

[Cha]

63. Hang in there 2naSalit!

You were right, and so were a lot of the other people on this issue!

[2naSalit]

78. Thank you!

Though it sucks that this is what it's come to.

I was kind of looking forward to writing him a letter every week.

[The Grand Illuminist]

126. It is starting to feel like Edwards vs. Duke 1991 LA governor's race.

Remember "Vote for the Lizard, not the Wizard"? Not entirely by definition, but close.

[MadameButterfly]

127. Nobody is blaming you personally, and no one should be blaming Mainers in general

for not knowing someone's private personal history. They were inspired by a message and someone with an experience not typical of the usual politician. It was refreshing. Let us grieve and stop with the blame game and the I told you sos. It is a tragedy that this damaged part of him is cancelling out a sincere desire and talent to do good.

Unless we stop electing men, this can happen. It's not new, just new that people are being exposed. Are we going to go after California voters for supporting Swalwell all those years? New Yorkers for Elliot Spitzer, Eric Schniederman, Andrew Cuomo? I recall a Virginia Governor who stood up to the situation in Charlottesville who was almost deposed over a Blackface scandal form his distant past--until it was learned his Lieutenant Governor had sexual misconduct allegations, so they left him alone. It's everywhere we look.
Shall we blame Virginians for not knowing sooner? Lets not start with Bill Clinton, JFK. It goes on and on.

[2naSalit]

128. He should have been vetted...

More carefully.

Again, shiny new object makes many leave the sensible choices behind.

[MadameButterfly]

137. Not a shiny new object. A person who expressed ideas that spoke to many people

We are not children being beguiled by toys. Maybe that you don't agree with his politics, but you don't have to demean the people who do. People thought Swalwell was a sensible choice. Where were the people vetting him for the last decade? Sometimes you just don't know.

[Chasstev365]

5. I believe her; I just wish she had come forth BEFORE the Maine Primary

[Blasphemer]

15. My guess is that she was hoping she wouldn't have to...

The article says, "She told Politico she hesitated to make her claim public because she had a 'huge moral conflict' between supporting Platner’s politics and not supporting him as a person."

I can understand being hopeful about a primary outcome that would avoid having to go public.

[MadameButterfly]

138. There was not question what the outcome of the primary would be

I understand this is hard for her. But she needed to address her conflict and decide if she was going to speak out or not. In between, or later, isn't helpful.

[Bok_Tukalo]

26. She did. Just not with the rape allegation.

Unless The New York Times suppressed it.

[paleotn]

38. Or she was holding out for more cash.

We can go round and round with this till doomsday. I don't know that and neither do you know what you're surmising. But boy there are some folks here with a level of "certainty" that makes me want to hit them up for stock picks. Veritable soothsayers.

[paleotn]

37. All the reason not to believe her.

But folks seem to enjoy helping out Susan Collins in any way they can.

[Bengus81]

122. Been around long enough to see both Karl Rove and Roger Stone in action

This has that smell all over it..............

[mcar]

62. She spoke to NYT for the story that broke before the primary

But all people focused on was the one Republican woman - they ignored the rest. Perhaps we should be looking at those who ignored/downplayed credible accusations to trash the women who bravely spoke up.

[CozyMystery]

117. Where's the proof? Why believe someone you don't know about something you don't have evidence for? nt

[MadameButterfly]

140. i believe the records of her telling other people at the time

before he was remotely in politics. Some of it in writing. I don't want to believe it either.

At this point it comes down to what is electable. His polls had suffered already from the previous revelations, maybe not in the primary but in the general. There are other candidates now polling better than Platner against Collins. We have to keep our eyes on the prize.

I hope he shows himself to be a guy who will sacrifice his chance for a dream job for the sake of democracy. Then I hope he will find a way to have a voice in politics in the future. He is a talented person, and whatever his personal faults, I think he is dedicated to helping working people.

[CousinIT]

6. So much for Maine. He's toast.

Not sure what now.

What is certain is that Democrats will likely not take over the US Senate. I HOPE I'M WRONG!

[MadameButterfly]

141. You are wrong

There are other viable candidates. Check out Troy Jackson and David Costello. They look really good to me. There are others. Platner should weigh in to make sure it's not Mills. I hope they steer clear of the ones who have lost to her in the past. But I do think the opposition to Collins is stronger than it was in the past.

[drray23]

7. I mean given his checkered past and the previous incidents

It was pretty obvious that something like this would emerge as soon as he is the nominee.

Now, I don't judge whether or not it is true or a manufactured accusation like some will not doubt claim, the fact is , it was an obvious vulnerability.

I do tend to believe women in cases like this and from what is being described, the reporters did gather a number of corroboration.

Whether its an attempt to smear Platner or not, its going to significantly alter the race.

That's why you don't run newcomers with zero experience and a past with problematic behavior even if they are young and say the right things.

[MadameButterfly]

142. So how did it work out with Eric Swalwell?

Andrew Cuomo?

[Raven123]

8. I hope she has overcome her concern of being known as a rape vicitm

I can’t help but wonder how this has just emerged. Has the media been calling her after her initial comments? There is a lot about this that is unsettling.

[AloeVera]

27. I'm not sure it was the media...

But no doubt others have...ever since the NYT story came out.

[MadameButterfly]

143. Somebody was going to talk her into this

Not saying it's not true, just, enough people more interested in ruining a Democrat so Progressive that Republicans are scared of him--than they are about her mental health.

I think anyone who says the things Platner was saying will be destroyed one way or another by the the opposition. Some candidates just make it easier than others. Almost everybody has something.

[LiberalLovinLug]

12. More exagerated bullshit, ie. Al Franken

They are scared to death of him. Unless there is actual unmitigated proof, ignore and move on.

[sarisataka]

16. So Believe Women is over

or just conditional?

[2naSalit]

18. Sound like...

It's conditional, same as it ever was.

[LiberalLovinLug]

19. Conditional on the truth.

[sarisataka]

20. Has truth been determined?

"Unless there is actual unmitigated proof, ignore and move on"

ignore and move on sounds like the decision has been made.

[LiberalLovinLug]

22. No it hasn't.

So until it has......Democrats are playing into the hands of the Fascists if they fold the tent as a "precaution". Grow a damn spine! Ignore and move on.

[yardwork]

23. Do you vote in Maine?

[paleotn]

44. Do you?

[yardwork]

76. Nope. Thats why I'm not telling them what to do.

[paleotn]

83. Nor am I.

Lets see how this plays out. That's about all we can do. If he's cooked, he's cooked. If he's not, he's not.

[MadameButterfly]

145. I don't live in Maine

but I want a democracy. This is everybody's business. And the decision going forward won't even be decided by Maine voters. It's up to Platner, and Maine Democratic party leadership.

[yardwork]

151. No argument from me.

I was responding to the poster's insistence that Mainers "grow a spine" and keep supporting Platner.

[paleotn]

43. You seem to think it has. From where does that info come from?

Got any tips on where the NASDAQ is going this week as well? So many seem to know the unknowable, I had to ask.

[sarisataka]

46. My quote is from the poster I replied to

At the moment I am neither accepting nor rejecting the allegations. I said as much in a different thread.

[paleotn]

51. Glad to hear it. So am I.

If what's being said is true and not a Republican hit job, than he very well may deserve his fate and Maine Dems will have to pick up the pieces as best they can. If not, many here are doing Republican work for them. Seems Dems are usually their own worst enemies. Pukes just seed the rhetoric and Dems do all the work. One wonders how we win any elections.

[sarisataka]

54. I try not to jump on bandwagons

Because it often turns out they are on fire or going in the wrong direction.

Democrats do have a history of shooting ourselves in the foot. Sometimes supporting someone we shouldn't or not supporting someone we should

[paleotn]

55. That's a good way to put it.

[MadameButterfly]

146. He's lost the support of even Progressives

in the Democratic Party. I don't think he survives this. If he stays in and loses, it will be on him. Before he was a hero, giving it his all.

[sheshe2]

21. Apparently.

[paleotn]

41. I believe evidence. Got any?

Now what was all that about equality and fairness?

[sarisataka]

45. Women lie?

I do not know not know what the evidence is however, there's plenty of people who've made up their mind the allegations are false without seeing any evidence either way.

I have seen a post that says it can only be true if he admits guilt. Is that the new, progressive ideal, a woman's allegations are false by default, until the man admits guilt?

[paleotn]

47. People lie. Await the evidence to pass judgement.

Unless you're able to peer into people's hearts and minds. And while you're doing that, got any hot stock picks to share?

[sarisataka]

49. Sorry no stock picks

I put my money in a mutual fund and let an expert handle that. He's been doing very well for me lately.

I am awaiting, it's evidence, but it appears a certain group has decided she is a liar or a republican plant or looking for money or even if true, it just doesn't matter.

[BComplex]

94. I don't always believe anyone.

Women are people, and I've known a couple who have lied their asses off about just this type of thing, which REALLY pisses me off, because of the ones whose lives were totally changed because they really were overpowered and molested.

She might be telling the truth. Or there might be a reason she's telling it all of a sudden about 12 weeks before early voting starts. Either way, I don't like the way this smells, and how quickly MSNBC, Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and the usual suspects jumped on this like a chicken on a June bug, calling for him to step down....like they jumped on Biden to step down and gave Kamala Harris, what, 110 days to prepare a campaign? WTF is wrong with our party?

We have two REPUBLICAN supreme court justices who have been accused of rape (under oath), and a REPUBLICAN president who has been convicted of defamation of his rape victim. We have a total criminal running for senate in Texas! But that's ok. They're republicans.

And since we're so much better than them, we fall down the minute we get hit, and every one of us feels the shame. We STAY hit. The republicans never got that part. That's why they control the country and the world at the moment. Graham Platner is a fighter, and we need about 55 of them in the Senate and about 300 of them in the House.

I hope this victim feels better getting all this off her chest after 5 years.

[sarisataka]

96. I hope your last line is sincere

but I have doubts.

Because Republicans are comfortable supporting rapists does that mean we also should not worry if out candidates are rapists, as long as they are fighters?

[BComplex]

99. What kind of question is that?

He says it's totally not true. She says it's not only true, but that she told a bunch of people all along about it.

So why now? I'm surprised that anyone just totally believes this conveniently last minute story put out by the right wing owned and managed media monopoly without giving it a serious once-over. There are billions of dollars running in this election, and the democrats aren't the ones with the billions.

But boy are they determined to let Susan Collins have her seat back.

[sarisataka]

100. Do you think she is lying?

Have you ever doubted anyone who accused a person on the right or is it only accusations against our side that get questioned.

Yes it is he said/she said at the moment. But she has given details which can be verified and his history of disparaging remarks (including victim blaming those who have been raped) give the accusations weight.

Is there no one in the state of Maine that we can put up against Collins except this one man, I think there has to be another option if the accusations are deemed credible.

[BComplex]

102. It's too late for another candidate to garner the support enough to win.

This gives Susan Collins another 6 years.

[sarisataka]

104. So it doesn't matter what he has done

or any scandals that come out, history indicates this won't be the last, it's him or nothing?

I truly wonder if there is anything in a candidate's past that is so heinous we would deem it a disqualifier.

[BComplex]

106. Um...

So that's the other thing we have to live with in trump's america? Guilty until proven innocent?

Do you personally know this woman? She told the NYT a totally different story back when that republican operative of susan collins said Platner roughed her up, or some such. It was a HUGE scandal, until the sleuths got on it.

[sarisataka]

107. No I don't know her

nor have I declared him guilty.

However I am not completely dismissing her story because it is inconvenient. I am not accusing her of being paid by AIPAC to sabotage his campaign. I am not saying she is lying because, reasons. All things I have seen today post by people who I am willing to bet also do not know her personally.

[BComplex]

109. I get what you're saying.

But just an aside from this whole thread we have going....when you saw her on tv, did you feel like she was legit? And after what she said a few months ago in that NYT article, doesn't this new thing she's come out with make you scrunch your face up like I've been doing?

I know: this isn't any kind of proof or evidence of anything. But seeing her talk, seeing what she said before, feminist though I am, I'm having trouble buying it.

[sarisataka]

110. I have not seen anything on TV

so far it all has been though online print media.

I am willing to hear her out, and I am willing to listen to his side as well.
I have heard she told some people about the assault a few years ago. If they can corroborate, especially if there is some documentation, that could be the damning evidence.

If there is nothing to corroborate, I will do my best to give the presumption of innocence; everyone, even flawed people, deserve that.

[BComplex]

134. Here is a part of the NYT article from back during the first republican round

of accusations. This is what this same woman, who is now saying she was raped, said back then.

[sarisataka]

147. From what I have read

at that time she did not want to be publicly known as a rape victim; she only shared full details privately

[manicdem]

32. What do you want

What type of proof would you like to see that would change your mind. A criminal conviction? A video tape of the rape?

[MichMan]

118. According to the Poster in #65 it is.

[pat_k]

74. Conclusion premature. Up until this latest accusation, I would agree that...

... what we were seeing has all the hallmarks of an orchestrated smear. (Not necessarily that it was an orchestrated smear, but the signs were all there.)

This latest accusation has brought things to another level. I suspect it will ultimately prove to be true. However, believing any accusation without scrutiny rubs me the wrong way. Always has.

I know I could be wrong, perhaps the incident didn't happen, but his admitted alcohol abuse raises questions. Drunk people are capable of things they would NEVER do if they weren't so drunk. This is not to excuse the behavior, only to point out that anyone with a history of alcohol abuse may have done awful things while in a drunken blackout. And not to "victim shame," but generally a person who abuses alcohol dates people who also abuse alcohol.

I'll leave it at that. The thing is, whether the accusation is ultimately proven true or false may be irrelevant at this point. The mob-mentality is in full swing. There is no stopping it now.

FWIW, I posted the following summarizing the hallmarks of an orchestrated smear back on June 5 when the NYTimes article came out.

Perhaps someday Jane Mayer will weigh in on Platner's case and we'll have much greater insight.
___________________________

Hallmarks of an Orchestrated Smear

I just re-read Jane Mayer's The Case of Al Franken.

Start with a drip drip, then pile on everything you can possibly dig up without looking past the surface. Release in rapid succession so there's no time for individual reports to be scrutinized. Cue outrage at "nothing terrible in isolation, but look at the number of them!"

The goal is to incite a mob mentality. Cue the pitchforks and torches.

It sure looks like some entity is orchestrating the smear of Platner following the same playbook.

Perhaps Jane will do an investigation of "The Case of Graham Platner." I'd sure like to hear more background on each and every report. I suspect it comes down to the same thing. A whole lot of smoke with no actual fire.

New Yorker
The Case of Al Franken
Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019

https://web.archive.org/web/20190829044419/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken

[yardwork]

77. The accusations against Platner are much different from those against Franken.

I have never thought that Franken should have resigned.

[spooky3]

89. I agree with both of your points.

In Franken's case, I don't think he had much choice. He said he was told by Dem leadership that if he did not resign, he would be pushed out.

The Politico article contains evidence that is troubling to me, e.g., the alleged assault survivor told other people long before Platner announced his candidacy, including a woman she wanted to warn about him.

[yardwork]

121. The main difference is that Franken was already elected.

He was serving his term as senator, doing a great job, and his constituents liked him. Pushing him out was stupid.

Platner isn't elected yet. This is an election we must win. Whether accusations are true is not up to us to adjudicate. However, it looks like these latest accusations will sink his chances of election.

[MadameButterfly]

144. Yes, Al should not have resigned.

That was a tragedy.

[Bengus81]

152. No...he should have because a group of Dems threw him under the bus

He asked for a trial,that never happened. He finally just said to hell with it.

[Escape]

24. The Democratic Party doesn't allow this kind of behavior,,

Plattner will have to become a Republican.

[Polybius]

61. He was gonna anyway if he won the election n/t

[AloeVera]

66. You have that on good authority no doubt.

Reminder he is as of this moment still the Democratic candidate you are suggesting is a Republican plant.

What next? He works for Thiel?

[Polybius]

130. I never suggested he is a Republican plant

I think his views are entirely his own.

[hlthe2b]

25. I have had qualms (expressed here) from the first, but honestly, if I had been sitting by Molly Jong Fast

on that MSNOW panel when it was announced as breaking news, I would have been sorely pressed not to pop her. Uggh. She automatically convicted him, concluded he should never have been considered as a candidate, and within seconds of this breaking news, had all but sentenced him. For everyone else just trying to absorb the story and collect their thoughts, it should have been a jarring kneejerk reaction. It was certainly ugly as hell to me, even though I will express some similar thoughts here now. The difference is that I'm willing to think through the accusation, the story, the evidence where possible, and the implications over some time. That she would not is just disgusting.

So, again, I have admittedly had bad feelings about Platner from the first, but given the RW identity of his early (main) accuser and his clear past issues with temper and alcohol, it was at least conceivable this was not the campaign-ending type of accusation it appeared at first glance.

So, now a more specific accusation. I don't know all the full details, but her complaint appears quite plausible and she does not appear to be politically motivated--at least on first glance. What I don't like about her accusations are the timing, some of the details of the incident that at least COULD be less than clear in terms of unquestionable (fully nonconsensual sex) and thus rape, and as with many of these incidents that no action was taken to formalize or ensure that police investigate/prosecute based on the accusations, a difficulty in establishing facts. There can be many reasonable explanations for not doing so and I acknowledge that does not disprove anything. She has indicated there are some contemporaneous discussions with one or more around her at the time. That is certainly important.

So, here we are. Where I thought we probably were months ago and worried that we would be soon thereafter.

I am a feminist and I believe strongly in empowering women to take action and be supported when sexual assault (or repeated harassment)) occurs. But, I don't automatically suggest that these incidents are always credible or verifiable. Women can and do lie too, but in this case, I fear that may not be the case. Alcohol has been a repeated issue in his past. So, too his inability to control his anger and intentions. The two can be a really dangerous combination.

I am as upset as any with this news. But even 90 minutes later, I still want to tear into Molly Jong Fast for her on-air immediate reaction.

[Blasphemer]

28. I actually see the timing as a positive and it gives her more credibility...

She is apparently left-leaning and her timing makes it possible to field a replacement candidate - likely the person who would have won if the information had come out earlier. She allowed the primary process to take place, probably in hopes that it would have been resolved at that stage. It wasn't. Coming forward now gives the party a potential do-ever. I would have been more skeptical of a right-leaning person coming forward in September.

[BComplex]

101. No. It's too late for a second candidate to galvanize the support that Platner

has engendered during his campaign.

And he has previously said that there were no other scandals in his past to come out, so either he had amnesia, or he was lying, or this woman is lying, or has issues that would make her come out with this weeks before early voting starts.

But Susan Collins and her husband have made so much money since she's been senator, there's no way she and her collaborators are going to be willing to give this up.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

60. I would be curious to see what the NYT reporters say. Did she elaborate or not?

They say she declined elaborate. She says she alleged assault?

Why is her allegation getting reasserted and ratcheted up?

[BComplex]

108. See? Nobody has considered her previous story, but they're

ready to convict Platner....who has put himself out there in every personal way. We don't know this woman or any way to tell if she was sincere, but her previous story sure didn't sound anything like the latest one.

When I saw her on TV, something just didn't feel right to me.

[Bengus81]

119. She didn't say there that he broke in? Seems like that would have been damn

important. Now it says he broke in.

[BComplex]

98. Those were my feelings about Molly...

and Chris Hayes, and Michelle Goldberg. I didn't watch anyone else tonight, so I don't know if it got any better. I told my husband I had to quit watching. I was getting too worked up over it all.

I've never been one to think a lynch mob was a crowd I wanted to hang with. (pun intended)

[Alice B.]

155. As an aside, I'm kind of over panels period.

At least ones made up of the same near-professional panelists. I was really over them in the aftermath the Biden Debate Incident and swore it all off but somehow I’ve gotten sucked back in again.

[WSHazel]

29. Platner needs to drop out this afternoon

This will not be the last one. Time for him to drop out. Nominate Mills.

Cancelling his campaign events is an admission of guilt. Platner's campaign needs to end NOW.

[BComplex]

105. If I was Platner, I would be so tired of the BS that I'd be seriously wanting to drop out

He left Iraq to get into this cess pool. Every conservative is as scared of him more than most of our candidates, because he's really strong. But the war he's fighting against the conservative, entrenched political infrastructure with all the power, money and guns is too much to ask of just about anyone but Bernie Sanders.

The authoritarians are winning this fight hands down.

[WSHazel]

112. He raped a woman

I don’t care about his feelings.

[BComplex]

135. And you have proof of that without any doubt?d

Here's what she said to the NYT months ago.

[WSHazel]

150. "Beyond a reasonable doubt" is the standard for getting convicted of a crime

The absence of guilt under that standard does not make someone acceptable as a candidate for elected office. I don't need proof beyond a reasonable doubt. How about just a preponderance of evidence standard. There are a lot of women that have a problem with Platner's behavior, he has a Nazi tattoo, and he has some disturbing posts on social media. I know enough to know he should not be a candidate for Senate.

[BlueTsunami2018]

30. The ruling class knives have been out for him from the door.

So I’m not at all surprised by this out of the blue allegation. If you’re going to take on the owners, you better be prepared for your reputation to be dragged through the pig slop and more. These are people who will happily shiv their own mothers for one more ill-gotten dollar. Anyone who presents even the slightest hint of opposition to the gravy train is getting the full treatment.

They also absolutely count on liberals to throw anyone under the bus at the hint of scandal while Piss and Kavanaugh and Thomas and Paxton and everyone on the Epstein list just laughs and laughs.

If he does have to leave the race, is there anyone with his policy positions to take over? Because that’s what people are attracted to, not him personally.

It’s quite obvious that someone with Mills’ positions isn’t it.

[pat_k]

31. David Costello

Costello and Platner have similar progressive agendas.

And Platner focused attacks on Mills, not Costello, which I think weakens her relative to Costello.

There is time between now and the election to build support for whoever the Dems pick. I just think the people supporting Platner would be happier with Costello than Mills as the person carrying the movement forward.

[MadameButterfly]

148. David Costello or Troy Jackson

We survive this if Platner drops out and the Democratic leadership don't see this as an opportunity to overlook the voters' will and appoint a centrist. But I disagree about charisma: while the Progressive views are the main thing, his passion, boldness, and ability to talk to all kinds of voters mattered a lot.

That said, what I've seen for Costello and Jackson look pretty good, and there is more opposition to Collins than in the past. I think there is time for them to become known enough to win. Maine is ready for a change.

Yes, anyone taking Platner's positions so aggressively has to be perfect to not be destroyed. Hardly anybody is. Rosa Parks wasn't the first Black woman to refuse to give up her seat, she was the first one perfect enough for the movement to adopt her, to survive the furor. Progressives unfortunately have to be perfect, Obama had to be perfect, and Republicans can get their voters or sychophants to overlook anything.

[mzmolly]

33. Interesting timing.

Obviously, it’s a serious allegation. But why wait to say anything until he’s the effective nominee?

[LetMyPeopleVote]

39. The Maine Democratic Party calls on Graham Planter to drop out of the Senate race.

[iemanja]

48. Who would replace him?

Mills?

[pat_k]

79. Not Mills. Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, Jordan Wood are mentioned by NYT

As per NYTimes (posted by RandyF here)

Plans are statewide caucuses or a "pop-up" convention 7/25 weekend (assuming he withdraws)

Maine Dems will get a new candidate. And they will not be selected by the party committee. (I found it notable that Mills was not included in the list of possible replacements. A very good thing IMO. I just don't see her inspiring many of those Platner inspired.)

And once they have their new nominee, the people of Maine, and supporters from afar, will make it a winning campaign.

Top Maine Democratic Party officials have discussed possible plans to replace Mr. Platner on the ballot, with options including a pop-up convention on the weekend of July 25 to choose a nominee, or holding a statewide caucus to effectively redo the party’s primary election, according to two people who have talked with the officials and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal party conversations.

Officials have ruled out having the state party’s committee, which includes about 100 members, choose the nominee, the people said......

Should Mr. Platner withdraw by next Monday, the leading candidates to replace him could potentially include the Democrats who ran for governor and did not win the primary.

They include Ms. (Shenna) Bellows, Troy Jackson, a former president of the Maine Senate, and Nirav Shah, a former director of Maine’s public health agency. Jordan Wood, who lost a primary for a House district covering northern Maine, is also a potential candidate.

And here's a gift link to the article
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/06/us/politics/who-would-replace-graham-platner-maine.html?unlocked_article_code=1.v1A.iM4y.eQFzT3W_7ioS&smid=url-share

[iemanja]

114. I hope they do find someone

Thanks for the info.

[Bengus81]

124. Mission Accomplished...High fiving over at the WH,and laughing how easy it is

Meanwhile President PEDO and the Guardians of PEDO'S continue on and on.

[NewEnglandAutumn]

40. I want to see other information.

I don't think he is innocent nor do I think he is guilty I want more before I make up my mind.

Democrats turned on Al Franken only to learn it was a set up. I will not resort to a knee jerk reaction and want evidence.

[pat_k]

50. I am with you. But I fear a specific accusation of drunken sexual assault goes way beyond the bullshit that brought down

Last edited Mon Jul 6, 2026, 07:19 PM - Edit history (1)

...Franken.

I posted the following back on June 5.

This latest accusation takes things to different level. Perhaps someday Jane Mayer will weigh in on Platner and we'll get a clearer understanding.
___________________________
Hallmarks of an Orchestrated Smear

I just re-read Jane Mayer's The Case of Al Franken.

Start with a drip drip, then pile on everything you can possibly dig up without looking past the surface. Release in rapid succession so there's no time for individual reports to be scrutinized. Cue outrage at "nothing terrible in isolation, but look at the number of them!"

The goal is to incite a mob mentality. Cue the pitchforks and torches.

It sure looks like some entity is orchestrating the smear of Platner following the same playbook.

Perhaps Jane will do an investigation of "The Case of Graham Platner." I'd sure like to hear more background on each and every report. I suspect it comes down to the same thing. A whole lot of smoke with no actual fire.

New Yorker
The Case of Al Franken
Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019

https://web.archive.org/web/20190829044419/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken

[iemanja]

42. What a distaster

The primary was a failure. Now Collins will be reelected.

[al bupp]

52. Dozens of posts to this thread could be alerted on

It's like supporting Democrats suddenly doesn't apply any more.

[MichMan]

81. You mean like how people can say almost anything about Fetterman?

[Bengus81]

132. You think Fetterman is a Democrat? When they go the DINO route we have the

right to criticize a "Dem".

[MichMan]

156. Yes I do

He ran as a Democrat, caucuses with the Democrats, and votes with the Democrats about 90% of the time. I've seen him accused here for taking bribes, being a stooge of Putin, and being mentally deranged. No hidden posts either

[Blue Owl]

53. *sigh*

Why are the two choices only *this* or *susan collins*....

Can't there be something better than either of these two lousy *options*???

[pat_k]

56. They have options

As QuietEm points out Maine will be OK.


There are options. For example, Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, Joe Baldacci, or even David Costello

I'm hoping they DO NOT go with Mills.

They need someone who inspires the people inspired by Platner.

It sounds like Troy Jackson campaigned with Platner and may be a good choice to take the movement forward.

There is time between now and the general to gather support behind a new nominee.

[AZLD4Candidate]

64. Amazing all of this comes out when Platner runs and he is leading in the polls. Timing means nothing.

[Dangling0826]

65. Dems always seem to just give up when something like this happens

Unless a video comes out and shows that he is clearly guilty, if Republicans and Trump should have taught us anything, it is that you stick with your guy no matter what. Platner is our guy, so stay behind him.

[MichMan]

84. So, you will only believe it if there is a video of him actually raping her?

Absent that, forget it?

[Dangling0826]

86. pretty much!!

Do you want control of the Senate or not? Do you want to be able to block Trump's Supreme Court nominees? Just ask yourself what is more important Platner not in the Senate, or Trump and Republicans taking away our democracy?

[kimbutgar]

68. I'm getting these Al Franken fake vibes about this story

A repuke operative could offer her a lot of money to lie. I know the guy is dubious but something stinks. She needs a background check and check her political affiliation and social media. Because we have a known pedophile rapist of little girls as President and his cult member still worship him!

That said, if she was really abused by him then he needs to stop campaigning and Maine needs to find a new democratic opponent to end the weak senator they have now.

[pat_k]

72. I am with you. But a specific accusation of drunken sexual assault goes beyond the bullshit that brought down Franken.

I posted the following back on June 5 when the NYTimes article came out. This latest accusation takes things to different level. And the mob-mentality is in full swing. There is no stopping it now.

Perhaps someday Jane Mayer will weigh in on Platner's case and we'll have much greater insight.
___________________________

Hallmarks of an Orchestrated Smear

I just re-read Jane Mayer's The Case of Al Franken.

Start with a drip drip, then pile on everything you can possibly dig up without looking past the surface. Release in rapid succession so there's no time for individual reports to be scrutinized. Cue outrage at "nothing terrible in isolation, but look at the number of them!"

The goal is to incite a mob mentality. Cue the pitchforks and torches.

It sure looks like some entity is orchestrating the smear of Platner following the same playbook.

Perhaps Jane will do an investigation of "The Case of Graham Platner." I'd sure like to hear more background on each and every report. I suspect it comes down to the same thing. A whole lot of smoke with no actual fire.

New Yorker
The Case of Al Franken
Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019

https://web.archive.org/web/20190829044419/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken

[Bengus81]

120. If he was behind Collins by five points there would be crickets...........

This smells like a Franken to me. I remember one woman claiming how badly Franken "assaulted" her by having his arm around her without permission.

Yeah...her HUSBAND was taking a picture of the two and Franken put his hand on her shoulder.

[bromeando]

69. Platner

I wish women would report these incidents when they happen and not wait when someone is running for office. I'm so sick of this.

[pwb]

75. Allegations against Democrats are fatal to Candidates

while overt lawlessness is accepted for the other party candidates ?

[Quanta]

80. Rapists have no place in leadership roles

So, when are we gonna start investigating Trump's pedophilia, get to the bottom of the Epstein files, and do a deep dive into Melania and Ivana's pasts?

[pat_k]

82. Every Trumpublican condemning Platner must be confronted on ignoring more, and more egregious, accusations against Trump

Last edited Tue Jul 7, 2026, 12:45 AM - Edit history (1)

Not to mention Kavanaugh

Not to mention Paxton.

[Bengus81]

123. THIS

[hadEnuf]

87. We are not going to get to the bottom of anything

if Republican keep getting elected.

[duckworth969]

88. Planter is the only person who can beat Collins

It’s about winning. If he withdraws, Maine loses a senate seat. Dem control of congress is unlikely.

All the caterwaul, ranting, and sanctimonious “look how right I was all along” might make some of us feel good about ourselves, but misses the larger point.

We’ve got to win. And for those of you who might say, if we need to have an alleged rapist in the senate to win back congress, then the price is too high.

I agree.

But people are rushing to judgment. Cool heads must prevail when the stakes are this high.

And the fact remains, Maine voters chose Platner. You can shake your head, tut-tut and roll your eyes all you want about their choice.

But in the end, despite what you say, think or do, it isn’t up to us.

[pat_k]

111. I disagree that he is the only one who can beat Collins.

There are options if he drops out. For example, Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah are mentioned. I understand Troy Jackson campaigned with Platner and could perhaps be a good candidate to carry the movement forward.

As per NYTimes (posted by RandyF here)

Plans are statewide caucuses or a "pop-up" convention 7/25 weekend (assuming he withdraws)

Maine Dems will get a new candidate. And they will not be selected by the party committee. (I found it notable that Mills was not included in the list of possible replacements. A very good thing IMO. I just don't see her inspiring many of those Platner inspired.)

And once they have their new nominee, the people of Maine, and supporters from afar, will make it a winning campaign.

Top Maine Democratic Party officials have discussed possible plans to replace Mr. Platner on the ballot, with options including a pop-up convention on the weekend of July 25 to choose a nominee, or holding a statewide caucus to effectively redo the party’s primary election, according to two people who have talked with the officials and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal party conversations.

Officials have ruled out having the state party’s committee, which includes about 100 members, choose the nominee, the people said......

Should Mr. Platner withdraw by next Monday, the leading candidates to replace him could potentially include the Democrats who ran for governor and did not win the primary.

They include Ms. (Shenna) Bellows, Troy Jackson, a former president of the Maine Senate, and Nirav Shah, a former director of Maine’s public health agency. Jordan Wood, who lost a primary for a House district covering northern Maine, is also a potential candidate.

And here's a gift link to the article
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/06/us/politics/who-would-replace-graham-platner-maine.html?unlocked_article_code=1.v1A.iM4y.eQFzT3W_7ioS&smid=url-share

[duckworth969]

153. Appreciate your post

It’s good to hear that there are some positive options in case Platner decides to step away.

Sigh, what a mess…

[peggysue2]

139. Spot on, IMHO

But in the end, despite what you say, think or do, it isn't up to us.

The only thing that matters in Platner's electoral fate is the attitude of Maine voters, their read on this latest story. Mainers supported Platner overwhelmingly because they want change and Graham Platner has been the voice of their frustration. Will they have his back in this mess? I don't know but their opinion/reaction will ultimately rule the day.

Or Platner may decide to give it up, that enough is enough. Republicans set their sights on Platner early on. He's too big a threat to Susan Collins'
grip on Maine.and there's plenty of personal baggage to use as political ammunition.

We shall see.

One way or the other, it's definitely not up to us.

[tonekat]

90. If this were a GOP candidate, they'd say

"Pfft...prove it!" And campaign harder. And flood the zone.

[kiranon]

93. Going with Rachel and Chris Hayes' this time

Did not believe Al Franken should have resigned. But, in this case info came out before the primaries that looked like he was a person who could be compromised. Proof takes a lot of time. Maine doesn't need a saint but Platner looked problematic from the start. Believe he should step aside and someone else take his place. A woman would be nice. I am not from Maine but have many relatives there. It could be that Platner does not remember what happened or, more likely, did not believe he did anything wrong. But, his girlfriend took it differently.

[flamingdem]

95. Vote D

Or suffer the consequences.

[DrFunkenstein]

97. Can We Use This As A Moment to Reopen the Kavanaugh Investigation?

This is deeply, deeply disappointing. I would love nothing more for some positive to come of this - and I don't mean by denying this woman's allegations!

But if Dems were savvy (I know - that's a big "if&quot , they could turn this on its head and use it as a moment to draw a line in the sand FOR BOTH PARTIES, instead of just shooting themselves in the foot again.

The Kavanaugh investigation lasted exactly one week. Susan Collins announced her vote to confirm Kavanaugh exactly one day after the investigation was closed. If Dem leadership can't run with this, they don't deserve to be leaders.

[usonian]

103. A Joan Barron?

Asking for a friend.

[flvegan]

113. I'm just glad this waited until AFTER Taylor Swift's Wedding.

After seeing some of the responses in this thread supporting Mr. ButItsNOTaNaziTattooImSuperCereal after such an accusation, considering everything else that's been said or proven about him, I couldn't resist.

[LeftInTX]

115. What? What does't her wedding have to do with any of this?

[obamanut2012]

133. The amount of DUers still supporting this dude is appalling

[DrFunkenstein]

149. Absolutely. The right move is to use this to come out ALL.GUNS BLAZING against GOP assaulters

Not pretend that this woman isn't credible. She's as credible as Christine Blasey Ford.

A point we should be hammering home like our lives depended on it.

[WinningAgain]

131. Vote D no matter who?

Even if they have multiple red flags about his past feelings toward women? Blindly supporting Platner with his baggage just handed the Repubs the Senate. Enjoy your next Supreme Court Justice.
Many posters tried to raise concerns but were attacked.
So here we are.....

[tonekat]

154. So, here's the ethical quandry

It is alleged that Platner did harm in the form of unwanted sexual advances and maybe a physical violation.

If Repubs take Maine, they will harm millions of people, as they will dominate in the mid terms.

Democrats tend to champion the individual, and will lose the election to avenge (in no real way but symbolic) that individual.

Is that the right way to proceed? Democrats give away the store at the drop of a hat.

[pat_k]

157. Platner isn't the only one who can beat Collins

More in Post 111 up thread.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=3691052