Ro Khanna Offers Qualified Support for Graham Platner’s Senate Campaign
Democratic congressman Ro Khanna expressed a qualified defense of Senate candidate Graham Platner on Sunday, acknowledging the candidate’s problematic past actions while maintaining his support for Platner’s bid to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine.
Khanna stated,
“His actions were misogynistic, they were shameful, they were wrong, but they didn’t come as a surprise to a lot of the folks in Maine.”
Platner, a former Marine who later became an oyster farmer, is facing scrutiny over multiple allegations regarding his past behavior. These include sending sexually explicit messages to women during his marriage and having a Nazi-themed tattoo, which has drawn significant public attention.
Despite these controversies, Platner has garnered support from progressive and independent voters aiming to replace the moderate Republican incumbent. However, with the primary election just two days away, the race has increasingly focused on Platner’s personal conduct rather than Senator Collins’ record. This shift comes amid heightened Democratic party vetting following the withdrawal of former congressman Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid in California due to sexual abuse allegations.
Khanna Cites Accountability and Policy Platform in Support
Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Khanna emphasized his continued endorsement of Platner, highlighting the candidate’s accountability and policy positions. He said,
“He took accountability”and noted Platner’s campaign platform includes national health insurance, taxing billionaires, and opposing the war in Iran.
Khanna elaborated on Platner’s background:
“People in Maine knew that he had had two tours of duty in Iraq. He came back broken in a dark place. That doesn’t excuse his behavior, but they knew this. He was in Washington, and then he went back to Maine, and he started an oyster farm. He took accountability. He himself has said it was shameful, and he had redemption.”
Allegations from Former Girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield
Khanna also addressed allegations made by Platner’s former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, who shared her experiences with the New York Times. Fifield described Platner as prone to misogyny and recounted instances of physical aggression. She stated that Platner
“regularly grabbed her by the shoulders – sometimes hard enough to leave marks – and, on one occasion, yanked her out of a cab by her wrist after an argument when she wanted to stay in the car.”
Fifield further alleged another incident where Platner
“twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom and held the door closed from the other side so she couldn’t get out, telling her to remain there until she was ‘calm.’”
Following the publication, Fifield criticized the New York Times on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the reporters of
“methodically delayed and twisted”her account to benefit Platner’s campaign. She also questioned the absence of promised evidence such as screenshots and highlighted her political affiliations, stating,
“Where were the screenshots they’d said they would use? Or the mention that I’d supported local democrats and that most of my family (and husband) are liberal?”
In response, Platner’s campaign characterized Fifield as
“a lifelong GOP operative who’s dedicated her career to electing Republicans.”
Platner’s Response to Allegations
Platner addressed the allegations in an interview with Maine’s News Center, describing his past as a difficult period marked by undiagnosed PTSD and self-medication with alcohol. He stated,
“I’ve been open about what was a very dark period of my life where I struggled with undiagnosed PTSD, too often self-medicated with alcohol, and was a far from perfect boyfriend.”
He took responsibility for his actions, adding,
“I take responsibility for all of that, and wish I had been better. Any characterization beyond that is false, and I believe, politically motivated.”
Platner denied any allegations involving physical violence and claimed ignorance regarding the meaning of his tattoo, saying,
“Anything alleging physicality” and “anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was” are false.
Khanna Calls for Respect Toward Allegation Source
On Sunday, Khanna urged Platner’s campaign to cease attacks on Fifield, affirming his belief in her account. He said,
“I believe her,”and added,
“I don’t think our side should be attacking her, and I appreciate her courage from coming forward.”
Khanna also reflected on the views of Maine voters he has encountered, noting their awareness of Platner’s troubled past. He said,
“They knew that he had these chapters”and predicted that voters
“are willing to extend him grace and redemption, and they’re focused now on what he’s running for.”
Potential Impact of Future Revelations
When asked about Platner’s ability to withstand further scandals, Khanna responded cautiously, stating,
“Well, it depends what … Obviously, if there was any evidence that comes out that there is actual domestic violence or assault, I have zero tolerance for that.”
