‘A creep’: John Fetterman refuses to back Graham Platner as Democrats rally behind him

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen John Fetterman broke with fellow Democrats by refusing to say whether he would support Maine Senate candidate Graham Planter as party leaders publicly rallied behind him.

Democratic senators closed ranks around Platner after he met with them in Washington. The split matters because Democrats view Maine as a critical race in their effort to win back control of the Senate.

John Fetterman stands apart from Democrats

During an interview with CNN, the Pennsylvania Democrat sharply criticized Platner and questioned his conduct, setting himself apart from party leaders who have continued to support the Maine candidate.

Fetterman mocked reports linking Platner to a Kik account with the username “phustle0331”.

“Oh, phustle,” Fetterman said. “What kind of a creep? What kind of a creeper has been on … a platform like Kik, and send a dozen explicit kinds of messages and who knows what else?”

He also declined to commit to supporting Platner if he becomes the Democratic nominee.

Pressed on whether he would back Republican Sen Susan Collins over Platner, Fetterman replied, “No, no, I don’t know,” before again referring to “whatever kind of creeper stuff” that Platner does online.

Even so, Fetterman stopped short of calling for Platner to leave the race.

Instead, he praised Maine Gov Janet Mills, who suspended her Senate campaign in April, calling her an “upstanding” and “committed Democrat”.

Chuck Schumer and Democrats rally behind Platner

While Fetterman was distancing himself, Senate Democratic leaders projected support for Platner after a closed-door meeting in Washington.

“I met with Graham Platner today. We’re going to beat Susan Collins, take back the Senate,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters on Tuesday.

Platner spent roughly 90 minutes meeting with Senate Democrats, but did not answer questions from reporters as he arrived or departed.

Sen Kirsten Gillibrand, who chairs the Democrats’ campaign committee, said Platner addressed questions about his past and described it as “a good meeting”.

Several prominent Democrats, including Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Adam Schiff, and Peter Welch, were seen entering the meeting.

Sanders brushed aside concerns surrounding the candidate.

“Now, why do the richest people in this country want to defeat Graham Platner? That should tell you everything you need to know,” Sanders said, adding, “Is he a saint? I guess not. I don’t know too many saints here.”

Maine Senate race tests Democratic unity

The divide comes as Democrats face a difficult path back to a Senate majority and view the Maine contest against Collins as one of their most important pickup opportunities.

Some senators signaled confidence that voters would make their own judgment.

“I think that Maine voters are going to decide what they think,” retiring Minnesota Sen Tina Smith told CNN.

Smith added that voters are focused on “what are politicians going to actually do something to make their lives work better,” and said that is why Platner has “captured the imagination of so many people in Maine.”

New Mexico Sen Ben Ray Luján said Platner must “talk to voters and talk to constituents and answer questions,” adding that candidates are expected to be “forthright” and “honest.”

For now, Democratic leaders appear determined to stand behind their candidate. Fetterman, however, remains unconvinced, leaving a visible divide inside the party as Platner continues his campaign against Collins.