The BareStory
Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner called for expanding the Supreme Court and impeaching “at least two” justices during campaign events in Maine on November 15. At a party meeting in Skowhegan, Platner claimed the court was acting as a “political action wing” for conservatism and said Democrats must use “every single lever of power” to address it if they win a Senate majority. Later, at a town hall in Bucksport, Platner characterized the White House as engaging in “full-blown fascism.”
During the Bucksport event, a sexual assault survivor confronted Platner about a 2013 social media post. The woman, who stated she was sharing her story publicly for the first time in 20 years, questioned him about the post, in which he appeared to suggest rape victims should “take some responsibility for themselves” and not get so intoxicated they have unintended sex. She said his comments were deeply hurtful.
In response, Platner apologized for the post. He said he wrote it after leaving the infantry and possessing a “myopic worldview,” but stated he had “no excuse” for it and other online “jokes.” Platner added that he now believes the abuser is always responsible, a view he said he learned over time.
Platner, who is seeking to challenge incumbent Republican Susan Collins, has also faced criticism for other past online posts in which he reportedly labeled white rural Mainers "racist," used a pejorative for police, and described himself as a "communist." According to a recent poll conducted by a group described as liberal, Platner trailed Collins by 19 points after voters were shown information about his posts. His campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• The candidate's call to expand the Supreme Court, if enacted, could alter its structure and future rulings on national laws and constitutional rights.
• This election contributes to which party controls the U.S. Senate, affecting national legislation, federal policy, and judicial appointments.
• The scrutiny of a candidate's past social media posts may impact how voters evaluate political figures and how campaigns are conducted nationwide.
