Fetterman Demands Bernie Sanders Apologize For Backing Graham Platner

Sen. John Fetterman is calling on Sen. Bernie Sanders to apologize for supporting embattled Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, arguing that Sanders helped elevate a candidate now facing serious allegations of sexual assault.

Speaking during a television interview Monday, Fetterman said Sanders should apologize “to the victims,” particularly the woman who has accused Platner of raping her in 2021. Fetterman criticized Sanders for continuing to back Platner despite mounting controversies surrounding the candidate.

Platner has denied the rape allegation, calling it false, but the accusation has triggered a wave of Democrats abandoning his campaign. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Ro Khanna, and several other prominent Democrats have all called on Platner to withdraw from the race.

Fetterman has been one of Platner’s most vocal Democratic critics for months, previously raising concerns about the candidate’s online history and other controversies. He argued that party leaders should stop defending candidates with troubling records and instead stand with those who come forward with allegations of abuse.

As of Monday, Sanders had not publicly withdrawn his endorsement or responded to Fetterman’s criticism. His continued support has drawn increased scrutiny as Democratic leaders continue distancing themselves from Platner’s campaign.

The controversy has thrown Maine’s closely watched Senate race into turmoil just months before the general election. State Democrats now face growing pressure to replace Platner before the deadline to name a new nominee expires.