The old saying goes that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, but that principle appears to be getting lost in the political shuffle up in Maine, where a Democratic Senate candidate finds himself facing the very type of allegations his party once used as a rallying cry.
Graham Platner, the Democrat challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins for her seat, now stands accused of physical abuse by multiple former girlfriends. The allegations, which include claims of physical aggression during past relationships, paint a troubling picture that demands scrutiny. Platner has categorically denied these accusations, dismissing them as nothing more than political attacks timed to damage his campaign.
What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is not just the serious nature of the allegations themselves, but the deafening silence and careful word-parsing from Democratic leaders who once sang a very different tune when similar accusations emerged against then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Back in 2018, these same Democrats insisted that allegations of misconduct required thorough investigation and public accountability. The rallying cry was clear: believe women, investigate thoroughly, and let no stone go unturned. That was the standard they set, and they set it loudly.
Fast forward to today, and those same voices have grown remarkably quiet or have adopted a notably gentler approach. Senator Bernie Sanders, who has been one of Platner’s most visible supporters and even appeared with him at campaign events in Portland, declined to comment when asked about the allegations. The Vermont independent, who typically has no shortage of opinions on matters of justice and accountability, suddenly found himself without words.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware offered what might charitably be called a measured response, stating he was extending Platner “a measure of grace” while acknowledging that anyone seeking to serve in the Senate should be held accountable for their conduct. It is a careful balance, to be sure, but one cannot help but notice the difference in tone from the Kavanaugh hearings.
The allegations came to light through reporting that detailed accounts from former girlfriends describing troubling patterns of behavior. These are not anonymous whispers or third-hand rumors, but named individuals willing to put their accounts on record.
Platner maintains his innocence and insists the timing and nature of these revelations are politically motivated, designed to derail his campaign against Collins at a critical moment. That is certainly possible, and in fairness, the timing of such allegations always warrants examination.
However, the larger question here is about consistency and principle. Either allegations of this nature deserve serious investigation and public scrutiny regardless of party affiliation, or they do not. The standard cannot shift based on whether the accused wears a blue jersey or a red one.
The people of Maine deserve answers, and they deserve to see their political leaders apply the same standards they demand of others. This is not about partisan advantage. This is about whether we have one set of rules for everyone or different rules depending on political convenience.
The silence from Democratic leadership speaks volumes, and voters should take note of what is being said in that silence.
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