Rep Ro Khanna regrets endorsing Graham Platner after assault claim

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he regrets endorsing Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner following a recent sexual assault allegation.

Platner announced he would end his campaign last week following a report accusing him of sexually assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2021. Prior to this report, many prominent Democratic figures had initially sided with the candidate in her bid to defeat long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins.

One of them was Khanna, who personally campaigned with Platner in June amid many other controversies and allegations of sexual harassment.

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“You’ve sided with him in a series of previous controversies, from a tattoo reminiscent of a Nazi symbol to his online posts accusing survivors of sexual assault, even after the New York Times published allegations by ex-girlfriends describing a pattern of emotional abuse and aggressive behavior, which he denies we should say,” host Kristen Welker said. “Why weren’t those discussions in the past a breaking point for you?

“The line for me was always sexual assault or sexual violence, and as soon as that came out I was the first to withdraw my support,” Khanna said. “But I will say that I misunderstood that call, and if there’s any self-reflection it’s that we all need to see the signs of people who may be experiencing domestic violence sooner. I wasn’t the only one. You had Planned Parenthood. You had it.” [Elizabeth] Warren. You had the entire Democratic Party. But I misunderstood this call.”

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Rep. Ro Khanna (R) previously campaigned with Graham Platner (L) despite a growing list of scandals. (Getty Images)

Khanna added, “I think the important thing is to understand his politics. He was against foreign wars in the name of Medicare for All, and why the progressive movement, more broadly, why these issues resonated.”

“Do you regret supporting him?” Welker asked.

“Yes. I misunderstood that call. I support a lot of people, but when I make a mistake, I take responsibility. And I think what people want is the humility to take responsibility if you make a wrong call,” Khanna said.

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California Rep. Ro Khanna withdrew his support for Graham Platner, who has been accused of sexual assault by his ex-girlfriend. (Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)

Khanna has previously downplayed the allegations against Platner, saying he is a war veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

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“In my opinion, even according to the New York Times report, they said there was no harm or injury,” Khanna said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” last month. “There was malice and there was verbal intimidation, which I condemn, but Graham made it clear there was no evidence of violence. To me, that’s a red line.”