Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., acknowledged during a Fox News interview that Democrats made a mistake by failing to take seriously allegations raised by one of Graham Platner’s former girlfriends, saying political affiliation should not have affected how her claims were received.
Appearing on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom with Dana Perino, Dingell reflected on the controversy surrounding Platner’s Maine Senate campaign and was asked directly about Lyndsey Fifield, a former girlfriend who first brought allegations of misconduct against the Democratic candidate.
Perino asked whether Democrats erred by not believing Fifield, noting that the former girlfriend is a conservative who initially took her concerns to The New York Times.
Dingell answered without hesitation.
“Yes,” she said. “I didn’t sleep the other night. I have written an op-ed that I may get somebody to [publish] about when will we actually believe those who come forward. We have made progress but we haven’t changed.”
Her comments come as Platner faces increasing scrutiny over allegations involving multiple former partners while continuing his campaign against Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
Earlier this week, Fifield publicly criticized The New York Times following its report detailing allegations involving Platner and previous relationships. Fifield, who describes herself as a conservative and has worked on Republican political campaigns, argued that the newspaper focused more on her political beliefs than on the allegations she made.
She also accused the outlet of failing to corroborate her account despite being offered sources that could support her claims.
Fifield has alleged that Platner became physical during their relationship, sometimes leaving bruises on her arms. She has also accused him of removing condoms during intercourse without her consent.
Platner has denied any wrongdoing. He has specifically denied ever becoming physical with Fifield.
The allegations initially drew skepticism from some critics, but Fifield has continued speaking publicly after another former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, came forward with her own accusations.
Racicot told Politico and other outlets that Platner sexually assaulted her. Platner has also denied those allegations.
The growing controversy has prompted increasing calls from within the Democratic Party for Platner to abandon his Senate campaign. Despite that pressure, he has remained in the race against Collins.
Dingell has also indicated that her concerns about Platner have put her at odds with members of her own party.
During an interview with CNN this week, the Michigan Democrat said she was “yelled at” by fellow Democrats because she refused to support Platner amid the allegations.
She also suggested additional claims involving the Senate candidate could emerge.
“Quite frankly, I am told that there are more. I do talk — this is a community that I work in, and there are other credible reports that people have told me of,” Dingell said.
As the allegations continue to draw attention, Dingell’s remarks on Fox News underscored what she described as a broader failure to consistently believe people who come forward with accusations, regardless of their political affiliations. Meanwhile, Platner continues to deny the allegations against him as pressure mounts from fellow Democrats for him to end his Senate bid.
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