Sanders and Others Defend Graham Platner Amid Controversy

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont has spoken up in defense of Senate candidate Graham Platner. This comes after reports emerged that Platner, the Democratic nominee in Maine, exchanged sexually explicit texts with women early in his marriage. Sanders, who supports Platner’s effort to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins, emphasized that larger issues affect working families.

Sanders stated, “We have a housing crisis, people can’t afford healthcare, groceries, or to fill their gas tanks. Our focus should be on these challenges rather than Graham Platner’s marriage.” He expressed his hope for Platner’s marriage to thrive, underlining the need to address problems facing the working class.

Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, has stood by him. She appeared in a campaign-released video expressing her anger at the reports, calling it “shameful” that such gossip distracts from the issues Platner champions. Reports from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal confirmed that Gertner informed the campaign about the texts early in Platner’s Senate run, based on sources close to the matter.

Platner admitted to sending the texts and issued a statement acknowledging the strain it put on their marriage. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the ideas that can advance Maine politically.

Amy Gertner mentioned in her video that, through counseling, they have maintained a strong marriage.

Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona also defended Platner, acknowledging Platner’s openness with his wife and the personal growth he has experienced. Gallego drew attention to economic and financial issues hurting Americans, indicating that voters are more concerned with these problems than with past personal controversies.

Senator Martin Heinrich from New Mexico labeled the reports as “a tabloid story,” significant in Washington, D.C. but not in Maine. He noted that voters in Maine would prioritize candidates who support the working class.

Platner’s scheduled meeting with Senate Democrats was confirmed to be unrelated to the recent reports.

Apart from Sanders, national progressives like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Ro Khanna continue to support Platner despite the controversy.

This is not the first controversy Platner has faced. Previously, he apologized for Reddit posts minimizing military sexual assault and other offensive remarks. Despite these issues, Platner remains popular among Democratic voters. Maine Governor Janet Mills, who temporarily suspended her Senate campaign, remarked that she remains on the ballot. Meanwhile, Susan Collins, Platner’s Republican opponent, chose not to elaborate much on the latest revelations, suggesting they speak to his character.