Sanders Defends Maine Candidate Platner Over 2023 Explicit Texts as Democrats Rally Before June 9 Primary
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 2
Sanders Defends Maine Candidate Platner Over 2023 Explicit Texts as Democrats Rally Before June 9 Primary
7 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 2
Bernie Sanders defended Graham Platner after reports that the Maine Senate candidate sent multiple women sexually explicit texts early in his marriage, arguing voters care more about housing, healthcare, groceries and gas prices.
Platner’s campaign confirmed the texts, and his wife Amy Gertner said she was angry but that counseling helped and their marriage is strong; Platner said, “Amy and I went through something hard — because of me.”
Ruben Gallego, Martin Heinrich, Elizabeth Warren and Ro Khanna also stood by Platner, framing the episode as private and politically less important than economic pressures facing working families.
The controversy lands a day before Platner is set to meet Senate Democrats and adds to earlier flare-ups over old Reddit posts and a tattoo, though he has remained a strong Democratic contender against Susan Collins.
Maine’s June 9 primary still includes Gov. Janet Mills, who said she remains on the ballot after suspending active campaigning, while Collins said the steady revelations reflect on Platner’s character.
How will voters weigh a candidate’s character flaws against his ability to win a crucial election?
What does the national defense of a flawed candidate reveal about modern campaign priorities?