UMVA has learned that Senator Adam Schiff, a prominent Democrat from California, has dodged questions about his support for Graham Platner, the embattled Maine Democrat vying for a Senate seat.
When asked by Fox News Digital whether he still stands by Platner, Schiff declined to answer, responding evasively, "I'm going to an interview upstairs." This exchange has raised eyebrows among Democrats and observers alike, given Platner's increasingly tumultuous campaign.
Schiff later clarified his stance to CNN, stating that he would "wait to learn more about these recent allegations involving his texting other women." He emphasized that ultimately, it would be up to Maine voters to decide how significant these allegations are, and how much they impact the candidate's chances.
Schiff's noncommittal response is notable, as he, like several other Democrats, has not officially endorsed Platner. This hesitation comes amid a growing list of controversies surrounding Platner, including old Reddit posts and a sexting scandal.
Senator Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland, who also hasn't officially backed Platner, took a different approach, stating that she's "supporting all Democrats" in an effort to flip the Senate. Alsobrooks downplayed her lack of familiarity with Platner, saying, "I don’t know him. Honestly, I’ve never met him."
The Democratic Party's reckoning on Platner's candidacy comes months after his public relations woes began, sparked by a video showing off a Nazi war machine symbol tattoo on his chest. The situation escalated with the emergence of old Reddit posts and his involvement in a sexting scandal.
Despite the mounting controversies, some Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, continue to support Platner. Sanders argued that the backlash against Platner stems from his stance against billionaires, who have pledged to spend $90 million to oppose him in Maine.
Republicans, meanwhile, are seizing the opportunity to attack Platner and defend their colleague, Senator Susan Collins. Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana offered a scathing assessment of Platner, saying, "Here’s how I think most fair-minded Americans view Mr. Platner. They think that Jesus loves him but, in their opinion, he’s an idiot."
