Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) defended his endorsement of former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner during a Sunday interview on CBS' 'Face the Nation.' Platner withdrew from the race after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault. Sanders rejected any regret over his early support, stating he urged Platner to step down once allegations surfaced. 'No, I don’t think so,' Sanders said. 'When we heard the serious allegations made against him, I wanted to get on the phone. I wanted to talk to him. I did. I asked, along with virtually all his supporters, that he should get out of the race, and he did.'
Sanders expressed optimism about Platner's replacement, Troy Jackson, calling him an 'excellent' candidate with a strong chance of winning against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). 'I think he stands an excellent chance to win,' Sanders said. 'I’ve known Troy for many years. What he understands is that the people of Maine are sick and tired of a rigged economy in which the billionaire class is getting richer and richer.'
The senator also highlighted progressive candidates Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, expressing hope for their success. Sanders emphasized the broader push for change in the midterm elections, citing grassroots enthusiasm for progressive candidates. 'Whether it's Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, or anyplace else in this country … the polling indicates this, the people are sick and tired of the status quo,' he said.
Sanders acknowledged concerns about the influence of 'unbelievable amounts of money' from the 'billionaire class' in key races, particularly in Michigan and Minnesota. He noted that super PACs are spending heavily to support establishment candidates, raising questions about the impact on progressive candidates' chances.
In response to criticism about 'Bernie Bros' dividing the Democratic base, Sanders argued that recent election results show voters want change. 'There's no debate — there is a strong division,' he said, pointing to the success of progressive candidates in recent elections.