CNN commentator Scott Jennings criticized Democratic leaders Monday for withdrawing their support from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner following the latest allegations against him, arguing that many of the issues surrounding the candidate had already been publicly known before the newest accusation emerged, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.
The discussion took place during a CNN panel after reports that several Democratic figures had begun distancing themselves from Platner.
The latest developments followed new allegations that prompted some elected officials to end their endorsements and raised new questions about the future of Platner's Senate campaign.
During the segment, Jennings argued that Democratic officials had already been aware of previous controversies involving Platner before deciding to support his candidacy.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
He questioned why those earlier issues did not produce the same response now being seen from members of the party.
Jennings responded to another panelist's comments about whether Platner had been adequately vetted by insisting the candidate's past had already been publicly examined.
“The only thing I disagree with is when she said that he hadn’t been vetted.”
“No, he had been vetted!”
FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest
Jennings continued by arguing that multiple public figures had already weighed the information surrounding Platner before offering their support.
“All of the things that have been stated, it was all out in the public, and people like Ro Khanna, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Tim Walz, the Bulwark, Pod Save America, all these people came together to overlook it all, to explain it all, to rationalize it all.”
He also said Democratic voters and donors had continued to back Platner after earlier reports became public.
“He was vetted. People knew all these things, and a whole bunch of Democrats in Maine showed up and voted for him anyway. And a bunch of donors from around the country sent him money anyway.”
MORE NEWS: Brawl Erupts At FIFA Fanzone On National Mall As USMNT Fans Clash During World Cup [WATCH]
Jennings then questioned why Democratic officials were now withdrawing their support.
“I agree with Alyssa’s question. What changed? Why are you bailing on Graham Platner now?!”
During the discussion, Jennings referenced several previously reported controversies involving Platner while arguing that they had not prevented Democratic officials from continuing to support his campaign.
“You already signed off on Nazi tattoo, a self-described communist, somebody who’s had fantasies, somebody who has been on a social media platform known as a playground for predators.”
He concluded by arguing that the newest allegation differed from previous accusations because of the political views of the accuser.
“And on and on and on and on and on.”
“And the difference between this accuser and the previous one is simply this: she’s a liberal. It’s okay, I guess, for Democrats that their candidate’s assault conservatives.”
“But he broke into someone’s house. And apparently, according to her, assaulted her. And because her politics are correct, they can now believe it.”
The CNN exchange came as Platner faced growing political pressure following the latest allegations against him.
Reports published Monday indicated that some Democratic elected officials had withdrawn their endorsements, while campaign events were also being canceled.
Platner has denied allegations made against him. The controversy has continued to draw national attention as questions remain about whether he will continue his Senate campaign.
The latest developments have also intensified debate over how political parties respond to allegations involving their own candidates, with supporters and critics offering sharply different views regarding the timing of Democratic leaders' decisions to end their support for Platner.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.