Sanders Stands By Platner Endorsement, Defends Vetting Process

Sen. Bernie Sanders refused to express regret Sunday regarding his initial backing of Graham Platner, the former Maine Democratic Senate nominee, during an appearance on “Face the Nation.” Sanders maintained that he had promptly intervened by urging Platner to abandon his campaign once sexual assault allegations emerged from a former girlfriend.

Host Margaret Brennan questioned whether Sanders regretted not responding faster to earlier red flags, which could have allowed his replacement, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, additional time to mount a campaign. Sanders rejected the premise, asserting he contacted Platner directly after serious allegations surfaced and joined other supporters in requesting his withdrawal from the race.

Despite multiple controversies surrounding Platner—including offensive social media posts, a Nazi-linked tattoo, abusive conduct allegations, and reports of explicit messages exchanged while married—Sanders continued campaigning alongside him and maintained his endorsement. Platner denied major misconduct claims while apologizing for some previous statements and positions.

Maine Democrats selected Jackson by a 566-5 delegate vote Saturday, giving him approximately 100 days to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who seeks a sixth term. Jackson’s accelerated vetting raised concerns about his past abortion stance and reported issues involving his temperament, workplace behavior, and mortgage history.

Sanders attributed criticism of progressive endorsements from former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to party ideological divisions, characterizing Emanuel’s faction as reliant on billionaire donors while defending the progressive movement’s electoral momentum nationwide.