Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is standing by his endorsement of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, even as the Democrat faces a fresh wave of controversy over sexual messages sent to women outside his marriage. The revelations add to a growing list of baggage for Platner, including past incendiary social media posts and a chest tattoo critics have likened to Nazi imagery.
Sanders: 'He's Not a Saint'
In an interview Tuesday with CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Sanders acknowledged Platner's imperfections but urged a focus on policy over personal life. “I’m sure he’s not a saint,” Sanders said. The Vermont independent, who caucuses with Democrats, has endorsed the military veteran in his bid to unseat incumbent GOP Sen. Susan Collins.
Platner, a leading Democratic contender following Maine Gov. Janet Mills’ withdrawal from the race, has been dogged by scrutiny. His wife, Amy Gertner, publicly defended him over the weekend, expressing anger at the media coverage and emphasizing his combat service and mental health struggles.
PTSD and Combat Record Cited
Sanders pointed to Platner’s deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he experienced intense combat. “He went through some very bloody and horrible situations,” Sanders said. “He has acknowledged that he came back with PTSD. He’s had his share of problems.” The senator highlighted Gertner’s support as evidence that the marriage is intact, saying, “She is standing by her husband, and I think it’s better for this country that we start focusing on the enormous crises facing working people, a corrupt political system, than spending so much time worrying about, you know, the personal life of an individual.”
Gertner, in a video posted to Platner’s campaign social media, called the negative stories “shameful behavior” and argued that her husband’s focus is on improving lives for working-class families.
No Rethinking Endorsement
Asked Monday by MSNOW’s Mychael Schnell whether he was reconsidering his support, Sanders said he was “certainly not.” He reiterated that the couple’s relationship should not overshadow the issues facing Maine voters, including economic inequality and political corruption.
The controversy has drawn national attention, with some commentators drawing parallels to other scandal-plagued politicians. Populist Scandal Politics: How Platner and Paxton Mirror Each Other explores the broader trend of candidates weathering personal scandals by pivoting to populist messaging. Meanwhile, Platner Memo Touts Polls, Fundraising to Weather Sexting Storm in Maine shows his campaign is betting on strong polling and fundraising to survive the storm.
Primary Election Looming
Maine’s Senate primary is set for June 9, and Platner remains the frontrunner among Democrats despite the controversies. His campaign has sought to frame the attacks as a distraction from the real issues. Sanders’ steadfast support provides a key boost, but the ongoing revelations could test the loyalty of voters and party elites.
The episode underscores the delicate balance for national figures like Sanders, who must weigh loyalty to endorsed candidates against the risk of being associated with damaging behavior. For now, Sanders is betting that voters in Maine will prioritize policy over personal missteps.
