Opinion

JONATHAN TURLEY: Democrats ditched their morals for Maine. Graham Platner left them empty-handed

Democratic politicians will be wearing the mark of Platner for the rest of their careers after dismissing earlier allegations

By Jonathan Turley Fox News

Published July 9, 2026 2:35pm EDT | Updated July 9, 2026 2:38pm EDT

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Turley slams 'unserious' Democratic vetting process after Maine candidate drops out

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner suspends his campaign following allegations of sexual assault, denying guilt. Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley criticizes the failed vetting process by the Democratic Party, which allowed Platner to remain on the ballot. Campaign strategist Dan Moraff confirms the vetting firm missed crucial details as Democrats in Maine now scramble to find a replacement candidate for the Senate race.

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This week, Democrats are fighting to keep Maine after shedding their morals.

The controversy in Maine over Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner was a modern remake of the scene from "A Man for All Seasons." That’s the scene in which Sir Thomas More confronts Richard Rich, a former protege who lied in court to secure his conviction in exchange for being named attorney general for Wales. As Rich passes by, More asks: "For Wales? Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world… but for Wales!"

For Democrats, they might not even have Wales to show for their "profit."

DEMOCRATS ARE ‘COMPLETELY STAINED’ AFTER BACKING PLATNER THROUGH MULTIPLE SCANDALS, REPUBLICANS CHARGE

Platner withdrew from the race Wednesday night. Even with that decision, Democratic politicians will be wearing the mark of Platner for the rest of their careers after dismissing earlier allegations in their quest to take back power in Congress.

Of course, Platner’s withdrawal from the Senate race could well prove to be an upgrade. After all, it is hard not to improve on an allegedly Nazi-tattooed, Hamas-praising, veteran-bashing, sex-texting, communism-embracing accused rapist. However, politicians such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and others will long wallow in a post-Platner party.

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