The recent scandal surrounding Graham Platner has raised questions about the role of the media and the Democratic Party in his rise to prominence. While many were quick to criticize the party's support for Platner, few have acknowledged the media's part in enabling his candidacy.
Transcripts from a recent interview reveal that some Democrats were aware of Platner's character issues, including his history of making racist comments and accusations of abuse against women. Despite this, they chose to support him, with some even going so far as to defend him.
Chris Van Hollen stated that people should be given second chances, while Chris Murphy noted that the incumbent had a lot to answer for as well. Bernie Sanders even went so far as to say that he would do everything in his power to ensure Platner's election as the next senator from Maine.
The media's failure to vet Platner is also a point of contention. Many have noted that the media tends to gloss over stories that could harm Democrats, and Platner's candidacy was no exception. The recent scandal has highlighted the need for more robust journalism and a greater willingness to hold politicians accountable for their actions.
As Daniel Moraff, the strategist who helped launch Platner's career, noted, the voters want "real people who have lived real lives." However, this theory has been proven wrong by Platner's downfall. Character does matter, and Platner's history of making racist comments and accusations of abuse has finally caught up with him.
The media's role in Platner's rise and fall is a complex issue, but one thing is clear: the media's failure to vet him and hold him accountable has contributed to the scandal that now surrounds him.
