Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) broke his silence and called on Graham Platner to withdraw from the race on Tuesday afternoon, while failing to comment on whether he believes the new rape allegation is credible.
[RELATED: Democrats Stood by Graham Platner Through Months of Controversy. Why Was This the Breaking Point?…]
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,” said Sanders.
Sanders has been among the most active and high-profile national supporters of Platner’s campaign, even traveling to Maine to campaign with him in May.
He was also among the last to formally call on Platner to withdraw from the race.
While other prominent left-wing figures and the Maine Democratic Party itself quickly called for Platner’s withdrawal from the race and expressed disgust over what they believe to be credible rape allegations just hours after the allegation came out on Monday afternoon, Sanders waited until Tuesday afternoon.
Sanders’ laconic statement included a few notable differences from other, similar calls for Platner’s withdrawal.
Notably, Sanders only made his statement after speaking directly with Platner “about the best path forward for Maine,” though it is not clear from the statement whether Platner was receptive to his recommendation during their call.
Sanders also failed to say whether he believes the new rape allegation to be credible, simply calling it “very serious,” something Platner himself has admitted while denying the accusation.
Platner must choose to withdraw from the race in order for the Democratic Party to replace him; he cannot be forced out. If he refuses to withdraw, he is facing a race with little to no support from his fellow Democrats, many of whom have already said that they believe him to be a rapist.
