Ex-Obama Aides Criticize Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Amid Rape Allegation

Former aides to President Barack Obama, now podcast hosts, publicly criticized Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after reports of a rape allegation surfaced. Tommy Vietor, co-host of ‘Pod Save America’ and an ex-Obama spokesperson, labeled the allegations as severe and credible. Vietor emphasized the political ramifications, highlighting perceived transparency and honesty issues surrounding Platner.

Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident, accused Platner of rape in interviews with Politico and CNN. She claimed Platner entered her home uninvited while intoxicated nearly five years ago, resulting in the alleged assault. Racicot, who had an intermittent relationship with Platner at the time, stated she cut ties with him immediately after the incident.

During a podcast, Vietor commented on Platner’s video response to these allegations, predicting that Platner would exit the race. Vietor remarked on a voter base previously willing to overlook past controversies surrounding Platner. He questioned who could represent that voter anger while being fully vetted by the party.

Former Obama aide Jon Lovett also weighed in, suggesting Platner should withdraw to focus on defeating Susan Collins. He criticized Platner’s lack of transparency and pointed out the consistency between the stories and the new allegations. Lovett noted that Platner’s admission of drinking heavily, as reported, casts doubt on his categorical denials.

The rape allegations compound existing controversies for Platner. The cumulative effect of these issues, as observed by Vietor, poses significant challenges to Platner’s candidacy. Moreover, Lovett contended that Platner may not have fully confronted his past actions personally.

Platner’s campaign did not respond immediately to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.