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Democratic strategist says transparency is Platner's 'only path forward'
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Accessibility links Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player Open Navigation Menu --> Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Close Navigation Menu Home News Expand/collapse submenu for News National World Politics Business Health Science Climate Race Culture Expand/collapse submenu for Culture Books Movies Television Pop Culture Food Art & Design Performing Arts Life Kit Gaming Music Expand/collapse submenu for Music Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions Podcasts & Shows Expand/collapse submenu for Podcasts & Shows Daily Morning Edition Weekend Edition Saturday Weekend Edition Sunday All Things Considered Up First Here & Now NPR Politics Podcast Featured Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Fresh Air Wild Card with Rachel Martin It's Been a Minute Embedded Get NPR+ More Podcasts & Shows Search Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions About NPR Diversity Support Careers Press Ethics What comes next for Graham Platner? Politics Democratic strategist says transparency is Platner's 'only path forward' Updated July 7, 20263:47 PM ET Originally published July 7, 20266:44 AM ET Heard on Morning Edition Steve Inskeep
Democratic U.S. The alleged incident, which the woman said happened nearly five years ago, was first reported by Politico. NPR has not independently verified the claims. Platner has denied the allegations.
Speaking with Morning Edition on Tuesday, Democratic strategist Joel Payne said Platner should be "as transparent and as clear as possible" as he weighs whether to remain in the race. While national and state Democrats have urged Platner to step aside, Payne said that Maine Democrats overwhelmingly nominated him in last month's primary despite earlier controversies.
In an interview with NPR's Newsmakers in late May, before the latest allegation surfaced, Platner defended himself against the earlier controversies that have dogged his campaign, saying, "I think a lot of people recognize that the ability to transform, the ability to change, is kind of just a normal human trait."
Listen to the full conversation by clicking the play button above.
The digital version of this interview was written by Majd Al-Waheidi and edited by Treye Green.
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− A strategist weighs in NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Democratic strategist Joel Payne about prominent Democrats on the national and state level urging Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race.
+ A strategist weighs in NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Democratic strategist Joel Payne about prominent Democrats on the national and state levels urging Graham Platner to withdraw from Maine's U.S.
+ Senate race.
− Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks to voters during a town hall at Elks Lodge 188 on June 7 in Portland, Maine.
+ Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks to voters during a town hall at Elks Lodge #188 in Portland, Maine, on June 7.
− Laura Brett/Getty Images hide caption
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing calls to end his campaign after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.
+ Laura Brett/Getty Images hide caption
Maine's U.S.
+ Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing calls to end his campaign after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.
− Payne said it's unclear whether transparency would be enough to keep Platner in the race, but called it "the only path forward."
He also said one key question remains unanswered: how voters in Maine respond.
+ Payne said it's unclear whether transparency would be enough to keep Platner in the race but called it "the only path forward."
He also said one key question remains unanswered: how voters in Maine respond.
− Payne also discussed what the controversy could mean for Democrats more broadly, saying that the party is still trying to determine what kinds of candidates can build a winning coalition as it prepares for the 2028 presidential election.
+ Payne also discussed what the controversy could mean for Democrats more broadly, saying that the Democratic Party is still trying to determine what kinds of candidates can build a winning coalition as the party prepares for the 2028 presidential election.